Hadrian's Wall has been chosen to spearhead the £7.8million scheme in the North East, which will ultimately see 1,300 points created in what will become Europe's largest network of its kind so far.

By the end of 2010 there should be a total of 13 in and around the National Park, which stretches as far north to the Cheviot Hills and Coquetdale, each capable of refuelling an electric vehicle with enough power to travel 100 miles.

The National Park Authority is match-funding the investment in rural infrastructure as part of One North East's successful bid for funding from the Government's Plugged in Places.

The North East is home to the UK's Low Carbon Economic Area for Ultra Low Carbon Vehicles, and the first 619 regional charging points should be in place by the end of the year.

Following a guaranteed energy supply and testing of trial vehicles in the National Park's rugged terrain, the authority will be looking to convert its own vehicles to viable electric versions.