Simon Bailes Peugeot has been appointed as the first dealership in the UK to start taking orders for Peugeot’s Ion electric vehicle.Peugeot Ion Electric Car

The Ion is a four-seat electric car based on the Mitsubishi i-Miev which has a potential range of 93 miles.

Simon Bailes Peugeot, which has dealerships in Stockton, Northallerton and Guisborough, is part of the North East’s Plugged-in Places campaign, which is committed to the development of an electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

Simon Bailes, managing director, said: “With environmental awareness becoming a key focus of the UK Government, local authorities and the general public, electric vehicles really will be the future of green motoring.

“I am a passionate advocate of green technologies as Peugeot is at the forefront of their development. That’s why I have worked hard to ensure that we become one of the first retailers of the Ion here in the North East.

“We’ve already received interest from a range of people including local authorities, organisations with large fleets and companies in the transport and energy sectors. Greener driving really will become a priority for both individuals and businesses and it’s very encouraging to see so many people in the North East already showing an active interest.”

The Ion’s battery takes six hours to fully charge using a traditional household socket. A quick charge using a special charging unit provides a 50 % charge in only fifteen minutes, or 80 % in thirty minutes.