Installed by the Washington State Department of Transport and charging point supplier AeroVironment, the units are located at key shopping and entertainment venues to boost local businesses. Seven have been installed along Interstate 5, three are on U.S. Route 2 in Northern Washington and an additional two are due to be fitted in the coming weeks.

Washington Governor Chris Gregoire said at the launch this week: ‘Today moves us a giant step closer to the day when we can drive our electric cars from Bellingham, Washington to San Diego, California along Interstate 5, secure in the knowledge we can quickly recharge our vehicles along the way.

‘And today is the beginning of a new era in Washington state. An era where we take a giant step toward protecting our environment from damage caused by vehicle emissions, one that will help free us from our dependence on foreign oil, and one that protects drivers from volatile gas prices.’

Inaugurated on the 16^th March, the West Coast Electric Highway is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and when complete will offer a network of electric vehicle charging stations through California, Oregon and Washington.