The UK’s first Centre of Excellence for low carbon vehicle technologies, Cenex, has announced that Corby will be one of eight places within the Midlands to be a ‘Plugged-In Place’ which have been selected by Government to lead on electric vehicle infrastructure deployment.
A consortium of Midlands businesses and local authorities, led by Cenex, has secured £2.9 million of funding from the Government to support a £6.3 million programme to install more than 500 charge posts in high profile locations, including shopping centres and railway stations, across the East and West Midlands.
The first phase of the project (2011 to 2013) will see charge posts deployment focused in three areas:
- West Midlands: Coventry, Birmingham, Worcester
- East Midlands: Three cities region of Leicester, Nottingham and Derby
- East Midlands: Corby and Northampton
Lead partners in the project include E.ON, Central Networks, Birmingham City Council, Coventry City Council, Leicester City Council and Nottingham City Council. The project will be managed by Cenex and Central Technology Belt, with more than 50 organisations participating in the project.
The funding is part of wider efforts to switch motorists to electric vehicles by combining funding for infrastructure deployment with a ’Plug-In-Car Grant’ of up to £5,000 per car for the new wave of electric vehicles to be launched in 2011.
The Midlands competed with eleven other bidders and was one of five bids selected.
Announcing the selection of the successful regions Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: "A few years ago, ultra-low emission cars with mass market appeal appeared just a pipe dream. Now they are a reality and we can have all the convenience of the car without the carbon that normally goes with it.
"Government action to support affordable vehicles and more local charging points means we are on the threshold of an exciting green revolution - 2011 could be remembered as the year the electric car took off.
"The British public has in the past shown it's ready to embrace new technology and take practical steps to adopt a lifestyle kinder to the environment, so we could really be at the start of something big."
Robert Evans, CEO of Cenex, said, “We are very pleased to have led a successful bid against stiff competition from other regions. We are looking forward to working with businesses and local authorities across the Midlands to roll out charge posts to help support the first wave of electric vehicle sales.”
Corby Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, Cllr Peter McEwan, said. “We are proud and excited to be part of the vanguard of regions making electric vehicles a reality on our roads. Embracing innovation is an important way to support our region’s continuing economic development, so being recognised as a ‘Plugged-In Place’ really boosts our profile in this regard.
‘This is another step forwards for Corby, proving once again that the Borough embraces the newest technologies and is a place of change and development. ‘
Simon Evans, Chief Executive of North Northants Development Company, said:
“This successful bid underlines the willingness of local partners to ensure Northamptonshire is an area that leads the way in new transport technology.
There is now a real incentive for local people to find out more about electric cars and ensure the future growth of our region is facilitated by more environmentally-friendly and sustainable modes of transport.”
The other ‘Plugged in Places’ are London, Milton Keynes, the North East, Greater Manchester, East of England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
PHOTO/MEDIA OP- 2.15pm, Wednesday 14th December, Priors Hall Future Centre, Priors Hall, Corby