Electric vehicle number triples in Milton Keynes

The number of electric vehicle users in Milton Keynes has increased by over 300 per cent in the last few months, trebling the number of users from 220 to 661.

In January the council was awarded Go Ultra Low City status which, through funding support from central government for infrastructure, is designed to increase the use of electric vehicles in the city.

Milton Keynes has over 170 standard and 56 rapid charging points with more being installed in the near future.

July saw the launch of the new ‘Green Parking Permit’ for ultra-low EVs which allows them to park for free in purple bays, the red/black employee spaces and in the specified electric spaces.

The Green Permit is free if your vehicle fits the criteria of producing 75g/km or less of CO².

Chargemaster, who run the vehicle charging points across MK, recorded an increase in their usage which was four times the previous figure.

These latest figures indicate that electric vehicles are becoming more popular in MK and less of a niche choice by motorists.

Councillor Liz Gifford, said: “These latest stats are very encouraging and show that people are turning more and more to electric vehicles.”

“It’s important to us to reduce our carbon footprint as much as possible and these ultra-low vehicles are the way to do just that.”

David Martell chief executive of Chargemaster PLC, said: “The policies of Milton Keynes Council encouraging electric vehicles are clearly working.

“By having a high quality network of charging points, low cost electric charging and with free parking in many areas Milton Keynes is a great place to own an EV.

“In addition the new initiatives under the Milton Keynes Go Ultra Low plans will keep this momentum going helped by many new electric models coming along from key manufacturers like VW, BMW, Jaguar and Audi.

“This all bodes well for a high proportion of electric vehicles in Milton Keynes over the next decade which will keep emissions low and air quality at a high level.”