ULTRA-LOW emission electric cars can now be charged in a Hampshire town after the installation of a plug-in point.

Fareham Borough Council has unveiled the new equipment, part of Hampshire County Council’s initiative to provide charge points across the county, in its Civic Way north car park.

The facility is one of seven around the county designed to encourage drivers to use environmentally-friendly cars.

Sean Woodward, Hampshire council’s executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “The charge point can power up an electric vehicle in as little as 30 minutes providing enough charge for 100 miles of travel with the cost varying between £5-7 depending on a vehicle’s charge capacity.

“Parking in the designated charging bays for up to an hour while the vehicle is charging is free. With running costs like these it is easy to see why more people are buying electric vehicles.”

Vehicle models including Peugeot, Renault, Kangoo, Citroen and Mitsubishi will be able to use the charge point.