The project aims to install a total of 278 charging points 80 km apart along Germany and Belgium’s main motorways by the end of 2016 – with 241 in Germany and 37 in Belgium. The multi-standard fast-chargers have AC and DC connections.

The project is being co-financed by the European Union and nine companies, including Renault and Nissan Europe, with a total investment of approximately €18m.

A sister project in the Czech Republic and Slovakia will add another 30 charging points.

Gareth Dunsmore, director of electric vehicles for Nissan Europe, said: “It is fantastic to have the backing of the EU on this project, which should drastically improve the number of EV charging facilities across Germany and Belgium’s main motorways.”