(Alliance News) - Amte Power PLC on Wednesday said it has been included as part of a GBP9.7 million UK government-backed electric vehicle charging programme alongside oil major BP PLC and automotive firm BMW AG.
The developer and manufacturer of lithium-ion and sodium-ion battery cells said the UK government-funded scheme, dubbed CELERITAS, plans to develop "ultra-fast charging systems for electric and fuel cell vehicles".
Caithness, Scotland-based Amte noted a statement by Birmingham-headquartered Sprint Power Technology Ltd, a low-carbon-focused power electronics and battery systems firm.
Sprint said it is "leading on a new GBP9.7 million" which eyes developing quick charging cells for electric vehicles.
"These products will aim to address existing consumer concerns relating to the charging speeds of today's electric vehicles," Sprint added.
"While the current best-in-class charging systems take approximately 22 minutes for a 10%-80% charge for a 280-mile range, Sprint Power is aiming for its BEV platform to deliver an 80% charge in just twelve minutes."
Amte shares were 4.9% higher at 209.95 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.
A UK government ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect in 2030, so the availability and reliability of electric vehicle charging infrastructure has been in focus.
UK energy watchdog Ofgem in May said that more than a third of UK households do not plan on buying electric vehicles due to concerns over a lack of nearby charging points. More charging points will address "range anxiety", Ofgem added.
In July, the UK competition regulator warned electric car charging provision at motorway service areas, on local roads and in rural areas is inadequate.
The Competition & Markets Authority said the infrastructure must be improved ahead of the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
It expressed concern about the choice and availability of places to plug in an electric car at motorway service stations.
By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com
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