The use of electric vehicle charging points across Greater Manchester has increased almost twelvefold during their first operational year according to figures released by Transport for Greater Manchester

In September 2014, 974 public charge sessions were recorded, 11.8 times more than the 82 sessions recorded during September 2013, the scheme’s first full month of operation.

Under the Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle (GMEV) scheme, over 300 charging points have been installed throughout GM, including three publicly available Rapid Chargers.

The charging points are strategically located across the ten districts of Greater Manchester to provide commuters with the infrastructure to charge electric vehicles.

TfGM Transport Strategy Director Dave Newton said: “Electric vehicles help to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution and therefore create a better environment for residents and visitors to the region, so it is excellent news that there has been such a positive initial take up.

“We will continue to work with government and industry to consolidate the charge point infrastructure and encourage vehicle owners – both fleet and individual – to take advantage of the environmental and financial benefits that hybrid and all-electric vehicles bring.”

The £2.1m scheme is funded by the Office Low Emission Vehicle (OLEV) and Greater Manchester local funding. It also has private sector partners, such as NCP, Manchester Central, Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford University and Intu Trafford Centre, on board, providing their own charging bays to supplement the network.

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