Elektromotive powers launches of all-new plug-in vehicles
A host of major car brands are gearing up for the launch of environmentally-friendly electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in the next few years, and Elektromotive, the world’s leading provider of recharging posts, is making sure they remain fully charged for their debuts.
Elektromotive last week provided Vauxhall with a number of Elektrobay recharging units to support a major UK media event promoting the forthcoming Ampera. On sale from 2012, this innovative new E-REV (Extended-Range Electric Vehicle) is charged by being plugged in to a mains electricity supply, and features a small petrol engine/generator that seamlessly cuts in after around 40 miles to sustain the battery.
Also last week, Elektromotive supported the launch of Toyota’s three-year leasing programme for the all-new Prius Plug-in Hybrid. This popular new version of the Prius Hybrid, which was presented to more than 10 contract hire and leasing businesses, was shown being charged by demonstration Elektrobay units.
In addition, and further underlining the company’s pivotal role within the zero-emissions motoring movement, Elektromotive this week supplied Elektrobays for a major media launch for the new smart electric drive. The new car was shown plugged in to Elektrobay recharging posts at an event in London attended by industry figures such as motoring journalist and broadcaster Quentin Willson, and Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Director for Transport Policy. The event was used by smart to introduce media to the new vehicle, and to a significant new piece of research setting out the growing demand for electric vehicles and the requirement for a publicly-available recharging infrastructure.
To conclude a very busy period for the Elektrobay demonstration units, this weekend they will also be on display at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, providing power to the cars on the Vauxhall Ampera and smart electric drive stands.
“Elektromotive is continuing to work closely with car manufacturers to help develop and bring to market new low-emissions vehicles,” comments Calvey Taylor-Haw, Managing Director of Elektromotive. “These partnerships – often also involving energy providers and policymakers – are helping to shape the future of motoring in the UK and beyond.”
Taylor-Haw warns that the implementation of a nationwide network of electric recharging points is now essential to maintain current momentum behind the ‘green’ motoring revolution.
“The Elektrobay is the world’s only electric vehicle charging station in widespread day-to-day use, and they are already a familiar sight on the streets of our capital. However, if electric car sales are really to take off in the next few years in the UK, in a way that would help reduce considerably the country’s carbon output, this kind of network must be rolled out across the country.
“The installations of Elektrobays in London are generating extremely high levels of round-the-clock usage, which reinforces the case for a national charging infrastructure,” he adds.
The simple-to-operate Elektrobay was first introduced in Westminster, London in 2006 and currently more than 135 units are installed across the UK capital. A further 165 Elektrobays operate in cities and shopping centres around the UK.
Building on its success in the UK, Elektromotive is now seeing very significant growth in its export activity. The company is currently working with national and local governments across the globe to roll out charging infrastructures that will help accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles. Over 300 Elektrobay units have so far been installed outside the UK.
To find out more about Elektromotive or to locate your nearest Elektrobay charging station, please visit elektromotive.com.
