The intiative is part of the Green eMotion project, in which IBM is one of 43 European partners, and a step towards establishing a Europe-wide electric vehicle charging infrastructure by 2015. Named B2B Marketplace, it will allow utility companies, car manufacturers and charging point owners to share services, and is scalable to cater for new models and extra services as the marketplace expands.

Crucially, this will open up an international network of charging points for the first time. To date, most electric vehicle recharging infrastructure is based on local schemes, but the new software will offer drivers the ability to travel long distances and be billed through their own utility company, regardless of where the electricity is sourced from.

Green eMotion project co-ordinator, Dr Heike Barlag, explained: ‘This marketplace will pave the way for the electromobility mass market in Europe. It allows for open access to charging spots throughout Europe thus making the journey with an e-car simple and convenient.’