An electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure provider is to open a multi-brand showroom in Milton Keynes.

Chargemaster has won the contract to set up and operate the EV Experience Centre, which is expected to be the first of its kind in the UK when it launches in spring this year.

It will be located at the Centre:MK shopping centre and aims to help residents understand the true potential of EV ownership through showcasing the latest technology and starting conversations with industry professionals.

The staff will book test drives for interested customers and potentially refer them to relevant local dealerships or partner leasing companies.

The move is possible as a result of Milton Keynes being awarded £9 million of Go Ultra Low Cities (GULC) funding last year to encourage the uptake of low emission vehicles and hit the target of 23% of all car sales being electric or plug-in by 2021.

Other initiatives in the GULC programme include a £2.3 million investment to set up two filling station-style EV rapid charging hubs and 50 destination chargers across the town.

Chargemaster already operates 170 standard public chargers and 56 rapid chargers on behalf of Milton Keynes Council.

The city also plans to introduce free parking for ultra-low emission vehicles.

David Martell, CEO of Chargemaster, said: “The centre will be the first of its kind and we are sure it will pave the way for other cities to follow. We are looking forward to welcoming Milton Keynes shoppers and showing them everything that going green has to offer.”