DCC may buy electric caras city plugs in

Other charge points rolled out as part of a £850,000 pilot project to improve infrastructure for low emission vehicles will be located at Bishop Street, Carlisle Road, Strand Road, Victoria Market, The Diamond and Templemore Sports Complex.

The local council is considering buying an electric van as part of its annual vehicle replacement programme and has also jointly applied for European money to buy two electric cars to promote the new facility.

“The charging posts will be maintained by NIE under the terms and conditions of the award from the Office for Low Emissions, while the customer will pay for the electricity to charge their electric vehicle through a pre-paid top up card,” a Council report states.

Announcing the electric car project over one year ago the former Roads Minister Conor Murphy said: Roads Minister Mr Murphy said: “I welcome the news that the joint DRD and DOE bid has been successful and we have received funding to kick start the use of electric vehicles in the North.

“With this funding in place the pilot project can begin which will see charging points installed in six towns and cities across the North - Belfast, Derry, Newry, Armagh, Enniskillen and Larne and on a number of major roads.

“It is a great example that the North could compete and be successful in this highly competitive process. The use of Electric Vehicle Infrastructure will help us reduce emissions from transport and will promote innovation. Overall this is exciting news for our economy, our environment and the region as a whole.