Greater Manchester gears up for electric cars as charging network is announced

The Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle (GMEV) scheme - a new electric vehicle charging point network and pay as you go programme, led by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) - has been launched.

The scheme has received £1.7million of support from  the Office for Low Emission Vehicle’s (OLEV) funded ‘Plugged In Places’ scheme, as well as a further £1m from the combined authorities' allocated transport budget.

TfGM is working with the Greater Manchester local authorities to identify locations and install a range of charge points for EVs, which will be operational in the summer.

The locations will be across the 10 districts providing commuters with the infrastructure to charge electric vehicles.

Private sector partners, such as NCP, Manchester Central, Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford University and Intu Trafford Centre are also on board, providing their own charging bays to supplement the network.

The GMEV scheme will be operated by Charge Your Car (CYC) a leader in EV charging networks. CYC will manage the payments and access to the GMEV scheme on behalf of TfGM.

Customers wishing to use the charging bays will be able to do so from July. They will be able to either register through the TfGM website and then receive an access card in the post, or simply pay as you go either by phone or by mobile app.

The scheme pricing is yet to be confirmed, but users will pay a flat rate per hour to recharge their vehicle.

To recharge a typical EV (7kwh/32amp capability) fully in a GMEV bay will take around three - four hours and cost no more that £6. This will enable an EV driver to travel around 100 miles.

GMEV charging bays (7kwh/32amp) are capable of charging a typical EV in approximately three – four hours, which is three times faster than charging at home.

Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council and vice chair of Greater Manchester Combined Authority, said: “Studies show that a network such as this is the key to getting drivers to consider a switch to electric.

"The take up of electric vehicles will improve air quality and reduce noise pollution and therefore create a better environment for residents and visitors to the region.

"We are committed to a growth in greener transport and carbon reduction.

“The scheme will play a vital part in helping Greater Manchester hit its targets for reducing carbon emissions as well as improving integrated transport choices and employment opportunities.”

Local Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “The launch of the Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle scheme underlines the Government’s commitment to ensuring the UK continues to be a world leader in the electric car industry."