Working with Renault and Nissan, the AC/DC rapid chargers are located at service stations and inner-city Ikea stores on major routes nationwide, providing an electric vehicle with 80% charge in half an hour and accessed using a free membership card. Recharging is free and the electricity is 100% renewable.

The first units were installed at South Mimms in July 2011, and the network connected London with Leeds, the South Coast and West Wales at the end of last year. However, until now there has been limited coverage north of Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Its latest two sites, located at service stations in Hamilton near Glasgow and Annandale Water near Lockerbie, connect Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Glasgow via the A74(M) and M74, alleviating range anxiety by providing frequent recharging stops en route.

Trips to Edinburgh require a detour westbound, as there are no Electric Highway points on the A1 or A68 between the Scottish capital and Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

Scotch Corner and Washington services were announced earlier this week, connecting Sunderland, Darlington and Newcastle-upon-Tyne with the north end of the Leeds to London Electric Highway. Rownhams services on the M27, near Southampton, has also just gained AC/DC rapid chargers as part of the network. Ecotricity has also confirmed new units on the M11 and A14 later this year.