Work has begun on a network of electric charge points at Olympic venues to help leave a green legacy.

The Mayor and Transport for London (TfL) are working in association with LOCOG and fellow London 2012 sustainability partners to install 120 charge points which will support a fleet of zero-emission electric vehicles to be used during the London 2012 Games.

After the Games the charge points will join the Source London network, already the UK’s largest charging network which will number 1,300 by 2013.

The electric vehicle points are fast charging and will be able to fully charge a vehicle in as little as four hours. They will be initially used by one of the 160 Active E or 40 MINI E electric vehicles provided by BMW for the Games-time fleet. This charge duration is significantly less than half the normal charge time for a standard charge point. The points will be installed in five key locations in London with the first installed at ExCeL exhibtion centre. EDF will monitor use of the Olympic electric vehicle charge points to learn lessons for the future.

Leon Daniels, Managing Director for Surface Transport, TfL, said: “I’m extremely proud that through Source London, the Capital can boast to have the biggest EV charge point network in the UK. I look forward to building on this lead when the 120 Games EV points join the network.”

Paul Deighton CEO of LOCOG said: “We are proud to have electric vehicles in our fleet, but of course we need a charging infrastructure so it is fantastic to see our partners and stakeholders coming together to make it happen. These charge points will provide operational support during the summer, but they will also be part of a wider charging network in London long after the Games have gone.”

James Mark, Services and 2012 Games Director for ExCeL, said: “We are really excited to be the first venue to have electric vehicle charge points installed. This will further enhance our green credentials and sustainability practices.”