Electric carmaker Tesla Motors (NASDAQ: TSLA) announced today that it has partnered with UK hotels and tourist destinations to install a high power charging network, comprised of ten charge stations throughout Great Britain.
Each charge station is privately owned and available for public use, either provided free or for a nominal fee. The network is the result of a grass-roots effort by Roadster drivers and forward-thinking hotels and resorts (see list below). Now Roadster owners can enjoy their cars’ breathtaking acceleration and 212 mile range as they tour Great Britain, and conveniently recharge while having a meal, using leisure facilities, or indulging in an overnight stay. Tesla’s High Power Connector (HPC) delivers a whopping 70 amps of electricity, fully charging an empty battery in less than three hours, and “topping off” a partially-charged battery in a fraction of that time. Complimenting the HPC network, Zero Carbon World, a charity dedicated to creating a clean energy future, has installed medium power connectors (MPCs), delivering 32 amps, at several sites throughout Britain. Tesla’s forthcoming Model S luxury saloon also can charge on the entire network.
An historic drive, from John o’Groats on Scotland’s northeast tip, to Land’s End on the southwest English coast, will combine the Roadster’s long range with the network’s high power charging. On Saturday, May 21, Kevin Sharpe, founder of Zero Carbon World, will set off from John o’Groats in his electric blue Tesla Roadster along with EV expert David Peilow, both taking turns at the wheel. They expect to reach Lands End on Sunday, with stops to charge up using Tesla HPCs along the way.
“The long range of Tesla vehicles and fast charging at popular destinations via Tesla’s HPC make convenient, emissions-free driving throughout Britain a reality,” said Gian Avignone, Tesla’s Country Manager for UK and Ireland.
“After crossing the country on a single charge in a Tesla Roadster, I realised that national coverage would require surprisingly few charge stations,” said David Peilow. “I worked out the minimum number of sites for all of Britain to be reached, and found locations where drivers would be keen to stop and recharge. Once the benefits of hosting an EV charger were explained, most sites jumped at the chance to have one.”
“The new network embodies Zero Carbon World’s vision of a carbon-free society, and shows that eliminating fossil fuel emissions is well within our grasp,” said Kevin Sharpe. “The network empowers people to make choices that are pleasurable and consistent with their values of environmental stewardship. I’m thrilled to be the first EV owner to make the drive from John o’Groats to Lands End.”
Sharpe’s Roadster will make the following stops on Saturday and Sunday. Stay apprised at www.teslamotors.com/endtoend, which provides a real time map, links to the drivers’ twitter feeds, along with other information.
- John o'Groats (KW1 4YR) HPC – Saturday 21 May @ 9 a.m.
- Macdonald Aviemore Resort (PH22 1PN) (HPC)
- Dalmahoy, a Marriott Hotel and Country Club, Kirknewton EH27 8EB (HPC)
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Durham DH1 5TL (HPC)
- The Nottingham Belfry – Q Hotels NG8 6PY (HPC)
- The Arden Hotel and Leisure Club, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EH (32 amp)
- The Castle Hotel at Taunton TA1 1NF (HPC)
- Land's End TR19 7AA – Sunday 22 May 2011
Additional HPCs can be found at Westmorland Tebay Services and the Heathrow/Windsor Marriott Hotel; two more will be available soon at The Moat House Hotel at Acton Trussell and the Ashford International Hotel - Kent. A resort in South Wales also will host an HPC. Further, Zero Carbon World has installed MPCs at the Whitesands Lands End Hotel and Ackergill Tower. These additional stations give Roadster drivers even greater flexibility to explore Britain.
