The Renault-Nissan Alliance has signed yet another major agreement- this time with Milton Keynes Council.
A definitive agreement between the council and the alliance sets out a road map for the roll-out of electric vehicles and the supporting infrastructure throughout the borough.
Today’s agreement, which was signed at the iconic Milton Keynes Theatre, details the commitments that both parties are making in order to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles in Milton Keynes,
Under the agreement, Milton Keynes Council will facilitate the installation of 430 electric vehicle charging points in a mixture of public and private locations in the city, plus up to two thousand points in homes. Drivers will receive local incentives to switch to electric vehicles, such as free charging and free parking at city centre posts, as well as national Government incentives which could include up to £5,000 towards the cost of an electric car.
The Renault-Nissan Alliance, in its partnership with Milton Keynes, has agreed to place priority on requests for electric vehicles in the UK from Milton Keynes.
Nissan LEAF -set go on sale in Japan, the US and select markets in Europe in late 2010- will be available in Milton Keynes from early 2011.
Kunio Nakaguro, Senior Vice President and head of European R&D at Nissan International SA, commented on the signing: “We applaud Milton Keynes Council for its foresight in seizing the opportunity to bid for central government funding to build the electric charging points necessary for electric cars. Today’s agreement demonstrates that by working together, local government and EV car manufacturers like the Renault-Nissan Alliance can create the right framework for electric vehicles to succeed.”
Renault’s launch into the zero-emission electric vehicle arena begins in mid-2011 with the launch of two models from an initial four-model Z.E. family. The two models are the Kangoo Van Z.E., a light commercial vehicle, and the two-seater city car Twizy Z.E. In 2012, the four-door Fluence Z.E. and the five-door supermini Zoe Z.E. will be launched.
David Hill, Milton Keynes Council’s Chief Executive said, “We are delighted to be working with the Renault-Nissan Alliance to give Milton Keynes people the opportunity to be at the forefront of electric vehicle use. We have always been a pioneer for green technologies and initiatives, and this agreement is yet another positive step for Milton Keynes as a showcase low carbon city.”
The agreement forms part of the council’s Low Carbon Living agenda which aims to put Milton Keynes at the forefront of low carbon living nationally. Earlier this year, Milton Keynes Council secured funding through the Government’s £30-million Plugged-in-Places scheme to help build the charging infrastructure. It became one of the first of three places to secure the funding-the other two being London and the North East.
Last year, Milton Keynes signed up to the Joined-Cities Plan which will create a network of vehicle recharging points across the country.
