The Government is to help fund new electric car charge points in a bid to catalyse the roll-out of technology across the UK. An extra £37 million will be made available to local authorities, NHS trusts and train operators to offset installation costs, with the Government encouraging bids for required funding. Transport Minister, Norman Baker said: 'With hundreds of new charge points adding to the ever-expanding network of infrastructure, people will be able to recharge their cars at stations, in hospital car parks and on streets all over the country. 'This is brilliant news for those already using these vehicles and will give greater confidence to those who are considering making the switch to electric. 'With new models coming to market every month from major motor vehicle manufacturers and running costs of 2 pence to 3 pence a mile, these vehicles are an increasingly attractive option for many consumers and businesses.î The coalition will provide 75 per cent of the cost of installing new charge points, which will increase the opportunities available to electric car drivers. The Government only recently announced plans to invest a further £500m in the Advanced Propulsion Centre, providing a research and development hub for ultra-low carbon cars. This is part of a strategy to ensure that Britain is a leader in the development of low-carbon technology, in the hope of clawing back a sector which lost its competitive edge with the general decline in British manufacturing. 'The automotive industry in the UK is a real success story. Four out of every 5 vehicles made here are exported and the sector supports many thousands of high-quality jobs across the country,î added Fallon. 'We need to keep working with industry to maintain this momentum and secure its long-term success which is why we are supporting the transition to ultra-low emission vehicles. As we set out in our automotive industrial strategy, there are huge opportunities for us from being a world-leader in these technologies.î Demand for electric cars is rising all the time, with consumers hoping to gain considerable environmental and cost benefits. Buyers can currently save £5,000 on the price of an electric car from the government's Plug-in Car Grant. Although the cost of these vehicles has been slightly high for the mass market, developments are rapidly occurring. Buyers can now purchase the new Renault Zoe electric vehicle for only £13,995, including the grant, with cost savings quickly creating a positive payback. 'The two most common preconceptions of electric vehicles are an expensive purchase price and lack of public opportunity to charge,î concluded Fallon. 'ZOE's pricing puts the first point to rest, and this latest announcement, on top of the established highly developed network of public charging points, answers the second and allows customers to buy EV with complete confidence."