The Government has set out a strategy to bring forward the use of electric cars by creating a re-charging infrastructure to the cost of £400m.

Transport Secretary Philip Hammond said: “The ability to re-charge is a key part of the jigsaw in supporting the growth of the electric vehicle market. It is crucial therefore that we make the process as simple as possible.”

The publication, ‘Making the Connection: the Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy’- identifies an infrastructure that encourages the majority of recharging at home, at night, and after the peak in electricity demand, supported by workplace charging for commuters and fleets.

Mr Hammond said charging was the catalyst for success: “Public chargepoints are part of the answer but putting a chargepoint on every corner is not the right approach. It is most convenient for drivers and best for the energy system for the majority of charging to happen at home. Electric cars mean getting out of the mentality of needing to travel to a petrol station and into the habit of refuelling when a vehicle is not being used.”

The strategy outlines support for plug-in vehicle infrastructure through;

-Ensuring plug-in vehicles are an attractive choice for the motorist;

-Ensuring systems are in place so that all chargepoints can be used by all motorists;

-Challenging industry to resolve, by the end of the year a range of technical issues that will allow the market to grow in the UK.

The Transport Secretary also announced that the Renault Fluence has become the tenth vehicle now eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant.