August 4, 2011 8.01 pm This story is over 150 months old

Nissan asks Top Gear back to Lincoln with free charging point

Free charging: Nissan pays for a free electric car charging point in Lincoln after Top Gear’s breakdown in the city.

Nissan has not taken lightly Top Gear’s criticism of electric cars following a stunt from the TV show in Lincoln, and is now funding a charging point in the city.

The Top Gear presenters will be then invited to return to Lincoln and be the first to plug in to the new dual charger.

In the episode aired on Sunday, Jeremy Clarkson and James May had to use an impromptu charging point at the University of Lincoln, after their cars’ batteries got drained in the city.

The aim of the BBC show segment was to highlight the lack of electric charging points across the East Midlands, but Nissan complained the move was unfair to viewers.

Now the car manufacturer is funding the installation of a PodPoint charging unit in Lincoln, the first one of its kind.

The charging point would have two sockets, so two cars can recharge at the same time, and charging will be free to electric vehicle owners.

The PodPoint (pictured) should be installed September, in a yet unknown location.

Top Gear Executive Producer Andy Wilman said: “If the charging point had existed when Top Gear were there, James wouldn’t now be walking around with Jeremy’s name tattooed on his bottom. Still, better late than never.”

Nissan’s Executive Vice President Andy Palmer said: “With its new charging points and the fame generated by Top Gear, Lincoln could find itself becoming a tourist destination for Nissan LEAF owners.”

City Councillor Fay Smith said: “We’re committed to reducing the city’s carbon footprint, but know that we can’t do it alone, so it’s great that private businesses like Nissan are getting behind this and putting in the infrastructure.”

Source: Nissan UK