British Gas and Renault today announced that British Gas will be the preferred supplier of vehicle charging points for Renault’s new range of zero emission fully-electric vans and cars in the UK.

The agreement with Renault, announced at the technical forum for the RAC Future Car Challenge at Imperial College London, means that British Gas will supply and install electric car charge points in homes and businesses across the country. Renault will launch the electric Kangoo Van Z.E. later this year followed by a range of fully-electric cars - the new Fluence Z.E. and ZOE car models and an innovative urban two-seater, the Twizy.

Experts predict that by 2020, electric vehicles could account for approximately 10% of all vehicles sold in the UK.

Customers will pay from £995 including VAT for the domestic installation of a charging point by one of British Gas’ nationwide network of qualified installers. Charging points are more convenient and safer than plugging the vehicles directly into the home electricity system and will cut the charging time by a third. Research shows that 59% of charging in 2020 will be at home, compared to 32% at work and only 9% will use public charging(8).

British Gas has also recently announced an electricity tariff designed specifically for electric car owners. This will make it cheaper to charge vehicles overnight and could save customers as much as £1,200 a year compared to owners of petrol cars. British Gas is trialing the tariff with customers this summer and the new tariff will be fully available from the beginning of 2012. All customers on the tariff will have a smart meter installed which will give them access to flexible “time of use” tariffs, put an end to estimated bills and give them access to smart appliances.

Dean Keeling, managing director of British Gas Smart Homes, said:

“The market for electric vehicles in Britain is growing fast. With our national network of electrical engineers, our electricity supply business, our solar panel business and our roll out of smart meters, British Gas is well placed to be at the forefront of that market. We can help electric car owners power their car for less money and from renewable sources.”

Thierry Sybord, managing director of Renault UK, said:

“The electric revolution is on its way and Renault is leading the pack with its full range of electric vehicles. Partnering with British Gas, Britain’s biggest supplier of electricity to homes, means Renault Z.E. range customers can access competitive, quality charging technology and rely upon a prompt and professional service. We selected British Gas for the strength of their service network, the quality and competitiveness of the wallbox offering and the strength of their marketing.”

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