Suffolk is set to get another 12 high-speed electric charging points for vehicles which will be installed across the county at a cost of more than £300,000.

Each charging point will be able to charge two electric cars – and should be able to give them an 80% charge in just 20 minutes.

Normal charging points would take six to seven hours to give a vehicle that much charge.

Funding for the scheme will come from the Go Ultra Low campaign, a collaboration between car makers and government to promote the many benefits of plug in vehicles.

Suffolk is set to receive funding of £337,500. Current electric cars can travel up to 100 miles on £2 worth of electricity.

Following the Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg’s announcement that the government will invest more than £9million to boost the number of charging points for electric cars, Suffolk will be able to install the charging points over the next year.

This should link linking Suffolk with a national car charging network that already links London to Edinburgh and a further project to install rapid chargers along the A14.

Richard Smith, cabinet member for economic development at Suffolk County Council, said: “With zero tailpipe emissions, electric vehicles can play a key role in helping Suffolk reduce our transport related carbon footprint, which is above the national average.

“This new infrastructure will give confidence to those purchasing new cars to make the electric leap and allow current electric vehicle owners to make trips into Suffolk, boosting businesses and helping Suffolk establish itself as a green tourism destination.”

Suffolk currently has one rapid charger, in Bury St Edmunds, and 10 standard chargers that are available for public use.