The first publicly accessible solar powered charging point for electric vehicles has been unveiled at Gateshead Civic Centre.

The ‘Power Park’ charging station can charge two electric vehicles using energy captured from solar panels on its roof. Funding for the charging point has come from regional development agency One North East.

The development comes as Gateshead Council has ordered 10 electric and four hybrid vans which are due to start replacing diesel powered vehicles this spring. In addition, it is investigating the potential to begin the replacement of its car fleet with electric models, while also investing in a network of charging points at public buildings as part of the Plugged in Places scheme.

The charging canopies are manufactured through a partnership of Gateshead and Consett based companies Romag and Tegrel and are installed and distributed by British Gas.

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