HARWICH International has become the first port to be included in the electric vehicle recharging network being established in the region by Source East.

Hutchison Ports (UK), which owns the port, has worked with Source East to install a charging point and introduce electric vehicles into its own operations.

The point can also be used by the public and joins a growing number in the Source East network with other locations including Colchester, Chelmsford and Norwich.

David Gledhill, chief executive of Hutchison Ports (UK), said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer a charging point for electric vehicles at Harwich International.

“We have been testing electric cars for our own use and can confidently say there is a role for these vehicles both in fleet operations and for the public.”

Source East is managed by Evalu8 Transport Innovations, a company owned by the University of Hertfordshire.

Keith Bevis, Evalu8 managing director, said: “We are working with corporations like Hutchison Ports, local authorities and smaller companies as they look forward in their transport policies and are considering introducing electric vehicles into their operations.

“The network of charging points across the region will not only benefit the drivers, the environment and the economy, but ultimately make the ownership of an electric vehicle an easy and enjoyable experience.”

The target is for the Source East network to grow to around 1,200 charging points by March 2013.