Harwich International Port Gets Switched on for Electric Vehicles

The Mayor of Harwich has officially ‘plugged-in’ a new electric vehicle charging point at Harwich International Port today (17th January), the first port to be included in the Source East Electric Vehicle Recharging Network.

Hutchison Ports (UK) ltd has worked with Source East, managed by Evalu8 Transport Innovations ltd, a company owned by the University of Hertfordshire, to install the point and introduce electric vehicles into their operations. The point can also be used by the public, and links a growing number of charging points across the East of England region.

David Gledhill, Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Ports (UK) Ltd, which owns Harwich International Port, commented:

“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, in charge of setting up the network, said:

“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.”

The Source East network will grow to around 1200 points by March 2013. There are currently points in Norwich, Colchester, Chelmsford, and Hemel Hempstead, with live points to follow in Luton and Peterborough.

For further information, please contact Paul Davey, Head of Corporate Affairs, on Tel No: +44 (0)1394 602063, Fax No: +44 (0)1394 604943 or E-mail daveyps@hpuk.co.uk / www.portoffelixstowe.co.uk