Chargemaster is to install a network of up to 200 rapid chargers at public car parks across London by the end of 2017, with approvals in place for the first 30 sites to go live in the second quarter of this year.

Chief executive, David Martell, said London is “crying out” for rapid chargers, but the Capital’s network has so far focused on slower units. To date, there are only 12 in the city centre, despite the higher proportion of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles based there.

The units will be funded by Chargemaster and its private sector partners, and are not government subsidised. They will be offered free to site owners, to be installed at short-stay locations such as supermarkets, petrol stations and public car parks, and the network will utilise the manufacturer’s new UltraCharger, which offers compatibility with the three most common charging standards used in the UK.

Martell added that, although the points will be part of the company’s POLAR membership scheme, other drivers can use them on a pay-as-you-go basis, charged to a credit or debit card. Members will be charged a lower rate per kilowatt-hour than they would to plug in at home. The aim is to have 50 installed by the end of 2016, with the potential to have 150 and 200 online by the end of next year.

Wider infrastructure issues are also being invested in. The company is installing 600 domestic units each month, and is planning to build on the recent deal to add units at AccorHotels sites nationwide. It will also soon begin testing charging points which can utilise power supplies from street lighting and is working with Millbrook to test wireless technology and low-cost on-street charging for customers without a driveway or garage.