The Source East network, managed by the University of Hertfordshire’s Evalua8 Transport Innovations Ltd, is scheduled to total 1,200 points across the East of England by March 2013. Harwich is the network’s first to be located at a port.

David Gledhill, chief executive officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd, which owns Harwich International Port, said: ‘We are very pleased to be able to offer a charging point for electric vehicles at Harwich International. We have been testing electric cars for our own use and can confidently say there is a role for these vehicles both in fleet operations and for the public.’

Keith Bevis, Managing Director of EValu8-Transport Solutions, added: ‘We are working with corporations like Hutchison Ports, local authorities and smaller companies as they look forward in their transport policies and are considering introducing electric vehicles into their operations. 

‘The network of charging points across the region will not only benefit the drivers, the environment and the economy, but ultimately make the ownership of an electric vehicle an easy and enjoyable experience.’

Source East’s network so far covers Norwich, Chelmsford, Colchester and Hemel Hempstead, while Luton and Peterborough will get their first public charging posts shortly.