Each unit will offer an 80% charge for compatible electric vehicles in around half an hour, and will be accessible via the Charge Your Car membership card or smartphone app for a fee of £4.

The project is backed by £900 funding from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, and charging points are located in Poole and Bournemouth town centres, as well as car parks in Bridport, Christchurch, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Wimborne.

Installation is under way, with the completed network designed to enable electric journeys between the M27 and Exeter, and Yeovil and the South Coast.