ELECTRIC vehicles could become a more common sight across Uttlesford after it was announced that Stansted Airport has been earmarked as a location for a new plug-in charging point.

The East of England is set to become a haven for electric vehicle owners after being given the green light to apply for funding to install around 600 charging points across the region.

As well as Stansted Airport, a wider charging network for electric vehicles will be based around Bedford, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich, Peterborough, Luton, Hertfordshire, and Thames Gateway in South Essex.

A final decision is expected from government by December, and if all goes to plan, installation could be underway as soon as spring 2011.

This will ensure that the East of England forms a key part of the UK’s charging network, linking in with the adjacent charging points already being installed in London and Milton Keynes.

Chief executive of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), Deborah Cadman OBE, said: “The transition to a low carbon economy is a necessity, not a choice. With this announcement, the East of England is set to lead the way in providing the infrastructure for local people and businesses to adopt electric vehicles.

“EEDA has been proud to coordinate this project in partnership with businesses and local authorities – a project that will build upon the East of England’s position as a leader in low carbon innovation, providing the research and development platform to help develop a global electric vehicle economy of the future.”

One of the main barriers to people buying electric vehicles has been concerns over the range and the battery life.

The new proposal has been designed specifically to ensure that people across the South and East of England are within striking distance of the next plug-in point.

A spokesperson for the airport said: “Stansted Airport is delighted to be involved in such a ground-breaking project and we look forward to working with EEDA as the initiative progresses.”