Eden Project gains rapid electric car charge point

Transport Minister Andrew Jones unveils plug-in car charge point, which is one of 16 being installed across Cornwall this summer

The Eden Project’s first rapid plug-in car charge point was officially unveiled in Cornwall yesterday (August 6) by Transport Minister Andrew Jones.

Transport Minister Andrew Jones opened the first electric vehicle chargepoint at the Eden Project in Cornwall

It is one of 16 charge points being installed across the region this summer, which each allow electric vehicles to be fully charged in around 30 minutes.

The new infrastructure is being funded through grants from the Department for Transport totalling up to £765,000 for a rapid charging network in Devon and Cornwall in order to encourage the uptake of low emission, plug-in vehicles.

Andrew Jones said: “Plug-in vehicles are cheaper to run, better for the environment and an increasingly popular choice for families and businesses. The government is investing £500 million in low emission vehicles over the next five years, including in charge points such as those at the striking location of the Eden Project.

“The new rapid charge point network continues our commitment to improving journeys in the south west, with a record investment in roads. This is part of our long-term economic plan to improve transport infrastructure and support jobs and opportunities in this beautiful area.”

While in Cornwall, the Minister also visited the new £9.6 million eastern park and ride site in Truro, which has also been backed by the government in order to improve bus links for passengers as well as helpin to reduce the number of cars on the roads.

In addition, the two-day visit enabled Mr Jones visit a completed new section of the A391 road, which links St Austell with the A30, where £12.3 million government funding is being used to ease congestion.

He then also opened a new green bridge over the road designed to give walkers and cyclists an easier and safer route to the Clay Trails outdoor pursuits park, as well visiting the £60 million A30 Temple and Higher Carblacke improvement scheme, which will provide a dual carriageway road between Exeter and Truro.