Chargemaster has been picked by Milton Keynes’ Go Ultra Low Cities programme to run the new EV Experience Centre, planned to open in spring later this year.
The charge point manufacturer and EV charging network operator will set up and run the new Milton Keynes EV Experience Centre, which will be based in the town’s centre:mk shopping centre.
Backed by part of the £9 million awarded to Milton Keynes as one of the UK’s Go Ultra Low Cities, the experience centre will aim to showcase the latest EV technology and have experts on hand to answer questions from members of the public. Being situated in the busy shopping centre will mean that millions of shoppers will see the EV Experience Centre each year.
The aim of the centre is to help educate car buyers on the benefits of electric car ownership, before then directing them to dealerships or leasing companies.
The centre will also offer test drives of a range of vehicles to Milton Keynes residents and businesses, either on a short or long term basis.
Chargemaster’s running of the centre comes as part of a greater partnership with Milton Keynes’ Go Ultra Low Cities scheme. The charge point company has been adding to the town’s charging infrastructure with a £2.3 million investment. This will include two filling-station-style EV rapid charging hubs, and 50 destination chargers installed across Milton Keynes.
Milton Keynes will also be trialling inductive charging units for wireless EV charging, and offers free parking to EV drivers in the town.
Brian Matthews, Head of Transport Innovation at Milton Keynes said: “Our commitment to making Milton Keynes a go-to destination and flagship Go Ultra Low city starts with our residents. We’re delighted to be working with Chargemaster on this project, and are confident that the team is best placed to champion the EV sector, considering their knowledge and experience of the industry.”
David Martell, Chargemaster CEO, said: “Being part of such a high-profile and diverse project is very exciting for Chargemaster. The centre will be the first of its kind and we are sure it will pave the way for other cities to follow. We are looking forward to welcoming Milton Keynes shoppers and showing them everything that going green has to offer.”
