Rochdale ready for electric cars

GMEV charging posts at the back of Rochdale Town Hall Car Park

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The launch of the Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle (GMEV) scheme has seen the introduction of three town centre stations at River Street Car Park, the Town Hall Car Park and Rochdale Train Station with another charging bay being installed in Middleton Arena car park.  

With the introduction of the Electric Vehicle Scheme, those who want to change to electric cars now have the ability to use the charging points in the borough.

With the government offering grants towards the cost of electric (plug-in) cars that meet certain conditions - grants are available for 25 per cent off the cost of a car, up to a maximum of £5,000 and 20 per cent off the cost of a van up to a maximum of £8,000 - there has been a 59% rise in registered electric cars in 2012 compared to 2013. 

However, the latest data from CAP Automotive shows that, over the past three years, all-electric vehicles have retained only 20.2 per cent of their value. Meaning despite the benefits, the decision to buy an electric car could prove a costly one.

Local major car brand dealerships in Rochdale have yet to see the demand for electric cars. Most offer no alternative to petrol or diesel engines without going outside of the Borough.

The charging bays in Rochdale town centre have yet to see any significant use.

The GMEV spokesperson confirmed “Make no mistake: this was always going to be a long-term programme involving behavioural change, over time – but it is one that will bring long-term economic and environmental benefits.”

The spokeperson added: “Greater Manchester continues to work with government and industry to consolidate the charge point infrastructure and encourage vehicle owners – both fleet and individual – to take advantage of the benefits that hybrid and all-electric vehicles bring.”

The scheme, operated by Charge Your Car (CYC) a leader in EV charging networks, hopes to help fulfil the Government’s climate advisors forecast to have 1.7 million electric vehicles on the road by 2020.