The POLAR programme will install charging bays in 100 towns and cities across the UK, initially in 50 selected areas, and Chargemaster is planning to have the entire network operational by the end of 2012.

Designed to complement the Government-backed Plugged In places scheme, focussed on eight areas in the UK, POLAR will add 40 public bays will be available in each city, with a view to enabling previously EV unfriendly locations to support the new technology.

The scheme also aims to make each charging point accessible to every EV owner, allowing the vehicles to be driven long distances and charged at a public location ready for the drive home, even if they are signed up to a different network. At present, the different manufacturers all use incompatible keys.

Drivers will pay an unconfirmed but small monthly subscription, with a 90 pence charge each time a point is accessed. All of the bays will feature the latest fast charge connectors, with 20% of the planned network to be compatible with future wireless charging technology.

David Martell, chief executive of Chargemaster, said: ‘For the UK to lead the way in low carbon motoring there is a real need for a comprehensive, targeted, safe and accessible EV infrastructure across all major towns in the country.

‘Most large manufacturers plan to introduce a plug in vehicle to the market by 2014. This shift is stimulated by OEMs need to meet stringent EU carbon reduction targets of face significant fines.

‘For the British consumer to feel comfortable with switching to EVs, it is plainly obvious that a targeted and comprehensive nationwide charging network is necessary. ‘

From launch, charging points will roll out at locations including Basingstoke, Bristol, Cardiff, Bournemouth, Cheltenham, Crawley, Derby, Eastbourne, Exeter, Gloucester, Guildford, High Wycombe, Maidenhead, Maidstone, Newbury, Plymouth, Poole, Portsmouth, Reading, Rochester, Slough, Staines Southend-on-Sea, St. Albans, Southampton, Swansea, Swindon, Taunton, Telford, Warwick and Wokingham over the following nine months.