Local authorities will be able to replace ageing public-access electric vehicle charging points free-of-charge under plans announced by Chargemaster.

The offer forms part of an expansion plan for the company, which aims to boost the UK’s electric vehicle infrastructure by extending its own Polar charging point network.

More than 2,000 additional charging points, both in new locations and to replace older units, will be installed across the UK to join the 4,000 already in operation.

The scheme aims to address what it said were “significant issues” caused by the inability to service a number of existing, older third-party points installed under the government’s Plugged in Places scheme in cities nationwide.

It is therefore allowing local authorities to replace these publically available units free of charge.

Around 1,000 charging points will be installed in the capital, 600 of which will be in new locations, focused particularly on hotels, supermarkets and health clubs.

David Martell, chief executive of Chargemaster, said: “By growing our network nationwide, but also focusing on traditionally poor areas of service, such as London, we are confident we will make a marked difference for EV owners wanting to charge on the move”.

He added: “100% serviceability of charging points is crucial and Chargemaster’s programme will help ensure that motorists in London and elsewhere will see a clear improvement of availability.”

Earlier this month, Chargemaster acquired charging point installation firm GB Electrical as part of its growth plan. This will enable the company to carry out its own installations rather than use subcontractors.

The company said in the past 12 months, as electric vehicle sales have gathered pace, its sales have doubled accordingly.

The electric vehicle charging market, of which Chargemaster said it owns around 60% market share, is predicted to continue with its rapid growth.

Chargemaster’s customers include BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla, Mitsubishi, Renault, Nissan and supermarkets such as Waitrose and ASDA, as well as more than 30 local authorities and central government.

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