My Electric Avenue is officially launched!

My Electric Avenue was officially launched at an event at the IET in London on 3 June 2013, marking the start of one of the most innovative projects of its kind.

A briefing was given to the media by the project partners about the pioneering new project that will test the ability of local electricity networks to cope with the recharging of electric vehicles.

It was announced at the event that there have been over 500 expressions of interest from people who are keen to find out more about taking part in the trials. There are also a number of clusters that are racing to be the first to be officially signed up.

In addition it was confirmed that the project will be using 100 of the brand new, UK-built Nissan LEAFs, and that these will be available to lease at an exclusively subsidised rate of just £100 per month to individuals who are part of a cluster of ten people in their immediate neighbourhood. 

Participants will drive the Nissan LEAFs for 18 months, with the aim of trialling new technology to monitor and control the recharging of electric vehicles (EVs).

Dave A. Roberts from EA Technology chaired the launch event, introducing the three main speakers, Robert Davis, EA Technology; Stuart Hogarth, Scottish and Southern Energy Power Distribution; and Simon Enstone, Nissan. The presentations stressed the important need for the project, stating that if such research isn't carried out, the alternative would be to dig up the roads to upgrade the cable network in order to ensure sufficient capacity for the recharging of EVs - which would be costly and disruptive.

There was also a question and answer session with the media, which included additional panel members Mike Potter, Fleetdrive Electric, and Dr Colin Herron, Zero Carbon Futures, both imparting their specialist knowledge in areas such as the vehicle leasing arrangements and the recharging infrastructure.

There was an official business element of the launch - the signing of the contract ceremony by the project partners - which also included Andrew Spencer, Northern Powergrid, participating Distribution Network Operator (DNO).

Since the My Electric Avenue launch event, enquiries to the project have been coming in even faster - if you would like to take part in the project and you believe that you can recruit another nine neighbours in your street, check if you live in the project area and register your interest.

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