LJLA becomes home to Merseyside's 1st rapid electric vehicle charging point
LIVERPOOL John Lennon Airport has installed Merseyside's 1st Rapid Charging Point for electric vehicles in partnership with green energy company Ecotricity. The facility is part of Ecotricity's Electric Highway which forms part of the UK's national network of electric charging stations. Powered with 100% renewable energy from sun and wind power, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles cars such as the Mitsubishi Outlander hybrid or Nissan's fully electric LEAF, can recharge in 20 to 30mins; about the time it takes to have a cup of coffee. The new charging point is free to use and located in one of the Airport car parks, close to the terminal building. Whilst use of the service is primarily aimed at passengers using the Airport, it is available for anybody to use, with access to its location free of parking charges too. The Electric Highway; created by EcotriCity and electric vehicle pioneer Nissan; is becoming a truly Britain wide, fast charging network. Having begun modestly with just 3 chargers installed at motorway services in 2012, there are now 240 chargers across the country, with 95% of motorway services covered. Andrew Dutton, Liverpool John Lennon Airport's Head of Environment, commented:- "Liverpool John Lennon Airport is proud to play a small part in the electric car revolution. The journey to the airport can be one of the major contributors to CO2 emissions associated with our business. By installing this charging point we are now giving those customers with electric or hybrid cars the opportunity to use these vehicles on a potential lengthy journey to the airport, relaxed in the knowledge that we have a charging point for them to use for their return journey home. Just as important though, this will also help to reduce CO2 emissions." EcotriCity Dale Vince said:- "With our electriCity pumps at 90% of the motorway network, we're well on our way to making electric cars a practical, everyday choice for drivers in Britain. Installing pumps at key destinations like Liverpool Airport is the next phase of what we call the Electric Highway, a national network which enables electric cars to drive the length and breadth of Britain. Now e-drivers can charge up at the airport, if they're picking up, dropping off, or on their way in and out of the Country."
