The East of England Development Agency (EEDA) is bidding for £5.4million in Government funding to build 600 charging points across the region.

Peterborough looks set to benefit most with up to 100 charging points earmarked for the city.

Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT) has joined Peterborough City Council in launching a search for businesses in the city which would be willing to house one of the points, which will then form part of EEDA’s business plan, to be submitted by the end of October.

Although the names cannot be revealed due to commercial confidentiality, PECT has revealed that a “well-known supermarket” is among the businesses to have expressed an interest so far. A seminar is being held on September 20 in a bid to get more businesses on board.

PECT chief executive Hugh Cripps said: “Considering the quality of the road infrastructure, Peterborough is a great place for electric vehicles, and businesses could really benefit."