The nationwide network of charging points, located at motorway service stations and town centre Ikea stores, offers connections to suit most electric vehicles and can offer an 80% charge in half an hour for those with rapid charging ability. Run by green utility company Ecotricity, the energy used is supplied by 100% renewable sources and is free for drivers to access.

By the end of 2014, the network will include every motorway service station in the UK, with second units installed to offer the new DC Combined Charging System connector providing rapid charging for the BMW i3 and Volkswagen’s e-Golf and e-up! electric vehicles.

Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity and the Electric Highway, said: ‘The energy provided by the Electric Highway is 100% green – and that’s important. It’s not just about going electric – it’s about ensuring that electricity comes from renewable sources.

‘The transport sector is the second biggest source of the carbon emissions that cause climate change, so a shift to electric cars is not just the right decision economically, it’s an environmental necessity too.’