The agreement furthers the utility company’s near monopoly on manufacturer-approved home charging solutions. British Gas already has similar agreements to install charging equipment for the Nissan LEAF, Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid and Renault’s Z.E. electric vehicle range .

Customers will be given a 16-amp charging unit, compared to six or ten amp output from a conventional plug, which reduces the car’s charging time from six to four hours, plus fitting, warranty and a free home electrical survey by British Gas. The Home Charging Solution will be priced from £799, with discounts of up to 75% available for people in Plugged-in Places areas.

Duncan Aldred, Vauxhall’s chairman and managing director, said: ‘Our new partnership with British Gas will provide a major benefit to all Ampera customers. We can now guarantee that new owners are assured of the very best advice about safe and efficient charging completely free of charge. It also complements our existing Ampera Customer Charter by offering customers a bespoke service, allowing them to get the very best from their car.’

Dan Taylor, director of new ventures at British Gas added: ‘Partnering with Vauxhall on powering their electric cars is a very exciting driver of growth for British Gas as electric cars move into the mainstream. With our network of engineers, we can help make buying an electric car accessible and convenient through specialist advice and the installation of charging points.’