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MEA goes electric!

The Manx Electricity Authority is to use some of its own product to help get around.

It's adding three electric vehicles to its fleet - with the possibility of more being added at a later date.

The Authority claims the Peugeot iOns - which have a range of around 80 miles and take seven hours to charge - will cost less to run over a three year period than a similar petrol or diesel car. They will be charged overnight at the MEA's headquarters, though they also have a fast charge feature which allows them to achieve an 80% charge in 30 minutes

It's hoped the use of electric vehicles by government boards and authorities will encourage other businesses and individuals to adopt greener modes of transport.

There are currently around 150 electric cars or hybrid vehicles in use on the Island, but just two standard charging points - one in Chester Street car park and the other behind the former MEA showroom in Castletown.

The government's Energy Initiatives Capital Fund is expected to provide further funding for another two charging stations to be installed in Peel and Ramsey and it's hoped as battery technology improves more people will be attracted to use electric cars.

As the cars becaome more popular, the MEA says it will need to ensure there are sufficient charging points around the Island.


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