Great Yarmouth's MP has cut a ribbon to launch the town's first ultra-fast electric vehicle charging points.

Sir Brandon Lewis joined members of SSE Energy Solutions and M7 Real Estate at the site of ten 150kW charge units at Gapton Hall Retail Park on Thursday.

The ten-bay charging area adds to the existing 45,000 charging points in the UK to date.

Sir Brandon said the new charging point provides confidence to drivers of electric vehicles (EVs).

Great Yarmouth Mercury: SSE Energy Solutions' Kevin Welstead (left) and Sir Brandon Lewis at the new EV charging point at Gapton Hall Retail Park. Picture - James WeedsSSE Energy Solutions' Kevin Welstead (left) and Sir Brandon Lewis at the new EV charging point at Gapton Hall Retail Park. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

"I've had an EV for quite a few years now, and I am quite a fan," Sir Brandon said.

"But one of the challenges for someone who uses EVs is having enough charge points. 

"It gives people more confidence to knowing that no matter what happens, even if people don't have a charging point at home, they're in short distance of a fast charging point."

Sir Brandon said he was in support of infrastructure like EV ports in the borough.

"I've had an EV for some time, and I've been caught out at times, not having quite charged my car. So having that infrastructure there is important."

He also said the town's growing EV infrastructure added to the existing projects to improve car travel.

"We've had huge infrastructure investments in Great Yarmouth," he said.

"Road improvements to the A47, Gapton Hall, Harfrey's roundabout and the third river crossing, which is about as big as you can possibly get. We've got the commitment to do the Vauxhall roundabout - obviously, they can't do that until the third river crossing is finished.

"So, we've had a lot.

"But there is always more to do, and you always want better. 

"We've always got to be looking at what's the next infrastructure that's going to help the town grow, sustain and improve."

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Kevin Welstead, EV sector director at SSE Energy Solutions. Picture - James WeedsKevin Welstead, EV sector director at SSE Energy Solutions. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)

Kevin Welstead, EV sector director at SSE Energy Solutions, said Gapton's new charge points provide "a good 60 to 80pc" charge on most EV vehicles in around 30 minutes.

Mr Welstead said a 30-minute charge costs "around £13".

"For us, it's about bringing ultra-rapid charging conveniently and inclusively into local communities," said Mr Welstead.

"Which then makes the choice, if you want to transition to an EV, a bit better."