ECMWF has installed two electric vehicle charging points which staff and visitors can currently use free of charge at the Centre’s premises in Shinfield Park, Reading, UK. The move is intended to support the use of hybrid and fully electric cars, which bring a range of environmental benefits compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Fully electric vehicles produce zero emissions at the point of use, thus reducing road pollution. They are also quieter than other cars. As an incentive to change to electric, in the UK such vehicles are exempt from road tax and congestion charges in London and elsewhere. The cost of running electric vehicles is also relatively low, with a full charge giving a typical range of 100 miles costing around £2 to £3. Driving 100 miles in a petrol or diesel car will cost around £9 to £13 in fuel.
