The installations form part of a strategy to make the North East one of the most advanced regions in the world for sustainable transport. They have been commissioned by Regional Development Agency One North East through Newcastle City Council, as part of the "Plugged-In Places" initiative, which is helping to establish electric vehicle recharging infrastructure in key strategic locations around the UK.

Elektromotive, which has been selected as one of the North East's preferred's suppliers, is to supply the first batch of 200 Elektrobay recharging posts during August 2010. The Elektrobay is compatible with all pure electric and plug-in hybrid electric cars, and can be specifically adapted to suit the requirements of the installation site and the user. It was first introduced in Westminster, London in 2006, and currently more than 135 units are installed across the UK capital. A further 165 Elektrobays operate in cities and shopping centres around Britain, including 40 that have already been installed in North East England.

Elektromotive managing director Calvey Taylor-Haw said: 'The North East England project is an extremely welcome development in the creation of a robust EV recharging network in the UK. Publicly accessible recharging posts are essential for encouraging consumers to buy the new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles that will aid progress towards a low carbon future. This project will set an ambitious new benchmark for future infrastructure projects in the UK and overseas.'

The new posts will be installed at locations from Berwick to Teesside, including the Angel of the North, Gateshead; Claremont Road, Newcastle; Belmont Park & Ride, Durham; Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland; Park Lane Interchange, Sunderland; Cobalt Business Park, North Tyneside; Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside; Hartlepool Transport Interchange and Teesside University, Middlesbrough.