Alphabet has launched a unique electric vehicle (EV) charge card that enables drivers to top-up their vehicles at more than 85% of the UK’s public charging points.

Business users of the AlphaElectric Charge Card will receive a consolidated monthly invoice, while private membership is also available via a monthly direct debit. Like traditional fuel stations, each charging point will operate a slightly different fee structure, however a large portion of the current charging infrastructure is presently free to use, as a result of UK government subsidies. All subscribers will be able to track and manage their account online, while information on compatible and available charging points can also be viewed through Alphabet’s dedicated website and app. The card costs £20 per year, per card, plus pay-per-use fees.

The AlphaElectric Charge Card will provide drivers with access to more than 85% of the UK’s publicly-available charging network, including points in London and the South East, Milton Keynes, the Midlands, Manchester, the North East and Scotland. As of November 2013, there were more than 5,000 public charging points throughout the country, with European Parliament targets pushing to install 70,000 in the UK by 2020.

Kit Wisdom, head of corporate mobility at Alphabet, said: “The AlphaElectric Charge Card is all about simplifying the process of charging EVs for drivers and fleet managers. Rather than signing up to multiple cards for the various different networks, we are able to offer drivers access to the majority of public charging points throughout the UK, including many of the Plugged in Places (PiP) schemes, through a simple one card pay-per-use solution. In addition, we’ll be providing AlphaElectric customers with access to a comprehensive map of suitable charging points through our website and the free-to-download AlphaGuide app.”

Chief executive of Chargemaster, David Martell, added: “Chargemaster is delighted to work with Alphabet to set up and provide a national electric vehicle charging network for AlphaElectric customers. AlphaElectric is leading the market in providing a comprehensive package of solutions for operating electric vehicles and the AlphaElectric card can provide access to thousands of charging points in supermarkets, on-street parking, multi-storey car parks and other public locations across the country.”

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