Midlands’ cities put electric car project in gear

Electric car drivers in Coventry and Birmingham are using a network of charging points inthe latest stage of the UK’s largest ultra low carbon vehicles trial. The charging points have […]

Electric car drivers in Coventry and Birmingham are using a network of charging points inthe latest stage of the UK’s largest ultra low carbon vehicles trial.

The charging points have been installed by E.ON for a project called Cabled (Coventry and Birmingham Low Emission Demonstrators), a trial of 110 vehicles being tested in the next year involving vehicles made by Mitsubishi, Tata and Modec.

Cabled comprises 13 organisations: Arup, Aston University, Birmingham City Council, University of Birmingham, Coventry City Council, Coventry University, E.ON, Jaguar Landrover, LTI Vehicles, Micro Cab, Mitsubishi Motors, Smart and Tata.

Charles Bradshaw-Smith, head of innovation at E.ON and a participant in the Cabled project said: “Coventry and Birmingham were the birthplace of the British car industry and it’s great that these two cities are now leading the way in bringing low-carbon motoring to our streets.

Linda Bigham, cabinet member for City Development at Coventry City Council, said: “There are seven charging points in Coventry which are now ready to use with more planned in the future for domestic vehicles.”

Coventry City Council has bought 45 electric vehicles as part of an ongoing programme to replace its fleet vehicles. These will be in use from September and more are planned in the years ahead.

Paul Tilsley, deputy leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “Last year we drew up the Birmingham Declaration on Climate Change in which we committed to only buy electric or LPG vehicles by 2015. That is why we are delighted to be working with partners to deliver the infrastructure that will underpin this.”

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