Officially opened by transport minister Norman Baker MP, the eTap facility allows electric vehicle drivers visiting CEME to charge their batteries on-site. Its solar panels supply electricity to a central distribution point, with excess demand met through the National Grid.

Installed by Essex-based company Use The Sun Ltd, drivers pay for the electricity used on an hourly rate, topped up over the phone. Charging stops automatically after their time is used up.

The eTap’s first visitors were two of Ford’s Transit Connect Electric vans, the first of the manufacturer’s electric vehicles to be sold in Europe. CEME is located near to Ford’s UK headquarters in Dagenham.