CALLING all electric car owners, Holsworthy is to become the first town in northern Devon to install a rapid charging electric vehicle point.

Torridge District Council are scheduled to begin installation of a rapid charger in the Manor Car Park, Holsworthy, on February 25 — this date has been set by the contractors, with Torridge District Council waiting for final paperwork to arrive from Western Power for signatures.

The installation will take approximately five working days and will see Holsworthy become the first public car park in Northern Devon with a rapid charger.

A rapid charger is a 55kw unit capable of charging two electric vehicles simultaneously from empty to 80% of their respective battery capacity within 30 minutes.

The charger will be compatible with 100% of electric vehicles on the market, meaning all drivers of electric vehicles are catered for.

Mike Ford, project officer at Torridge, said: “Torridge District Council have chosen to install the rapid charger at Holsworthy as it understands the importance of creating an infrastructure capable of supporting the rise in popularity in electric vehicles.

“With the government setting a goal of ending the sale of all conventional petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 and billions being invested into research and development of electric vehicles by the major car manufacturers, electric vehicle ownership is set to rise dramatically.”

Following Holsworthy, installation of a further three chargers will occur in short succession in Bideford, Torrington and Appledore