Elektromotive has been commissioned to install eight of the company's new Rapid Charge Elektrobays in northeast England as part of an initiative, led by the One North East regional development agency, to install more than 1,000 charging stations across the region within the next three years.  The first Rapid Charge Elektrobay has been installed at the Metro Centre, Gateshead. With a direct current of 50kW, the Rapid Charge Elektrobay can charge the battery of a compatible electric vehicle - such as a Nissan Leaf or Mitsubishi i-MiEV - to 80 per cent of its capacity in 20 minutes, compared to around seven hours if using a conventional domestic power supply.  Rapid charge technology is widely seen as crucial for encouraging more consumers to purchase and use electric vehicles.  One North East is on the lookout for more locations to install the other Rapid Charge Elektrobays. These locations should be easily accessible and ideally close to main roads and conurbations where they will be of most use to drivers wishing to recharge their vehicles. Any business or organisation located on or near the major trunk roads and spine roads in the North East are invited to put themselves forward. This infrastructure work is part of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles's 'Plugged-In Places' initiative  Although this is the first Rapid Charge Elektrobay in England, Elektromotive's Irish reseller, Carra, has already installed the same product in Dublin, and is bidding to support the plans of Electricity Supply Board's ecars division to deploy a network of rapid chargers across the country.  Source: Utility Week