MORE public electric vehicle charging points are to be set up across Wales.

There are currently 2,500 plug-in vehicles registered in Wales and 500 public charging points.

But the number of electric and hybrid car registrations rose by 35 per cent last year, meaning demand for more charging points is likely to increase.

Now the Welsh Government has announced £2 million will be invested into creating a new network of charging points by 2020.

The project will particularly focus on motorists travelling between the north and south and the east and the west.

Economy and transport secretary Ken Skates said: “We are committed to promoting the use of electric and hybrid vehicles in the transition from petrol and diesel.

“This funding for electric charging points will be a massive boost to the network and will help motorists who want to use electric vehicles for longer journeys.

“This could prove to be a catalyst for change in our efforts to support the use of electric vehicles. We have chosen to focus on the north/south and east/west routes as we realise their importance for travelling around Wales.

“In these challenging times it is more important than ever that we work to improve sustainable transport links, to increase our low carbon transport options and to make Wales as accessible as we can.

“This funding is a clear demonstration of our commitment towards mitigating the impacts of climate change alongside reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.”

The investment is part of the two-year budget deal between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.