THE electric car pioneer Tesla is set to install two new “superchargers” in Hampshire to power up vehicles rapidly.

Superchargers can deliver enough power to a car’s battery in 15 minutes to cover 200 miles.

The manufacturer’s website says superchargers are planned for Rownhams in the third quarter of this year and at Winchester in the first quarter of 2022.

There is already a supercharger at Norton Park, Winchester.

Tesla’s chief executive Elon Musk recently tweeted that the company would allow other electric vehicles to use its global network of chargers, beginning before the end of 2021.

The government has boosted sales of electric cars by bringing forward a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to the 2030.

Richard Symons of the electric vehicle specialist R Symons in New Milton – which sells more used Teslas than any other dealership in the UK – said there was currently a waiting list for new electric cars.

“There’s huge demand. At the moment demand is outstripping supply,” he said

“If we talk about the used market, prices have been increasing recently. A used car is worth more than it was six months ago.

“We are seeing an exponential growth in the uptake of electric vehicles. It’s all because they’re good. That’s the main reason why you’d want one.”

He said costs over the lifetime of the car were competitive and the resale value of petrol and diesel cars was set to plummet.

“There are very few reasons to choose an internal combustion engine over electric – very few scenarios where that makes sense,” he added.

“With more awareness and reassurance and more knowledge, people are making the shift.”

He said superchargers locally would mainly be of use to visitors rather than locals.

Tesla’s website says: “Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes. Since charging above 80 percent is rarely necessary, stops are typically short and convenient. With a broad network of fast charging, automatic battery preconditioning and the exceptional range of every Tesla car, you’ll spend even more time on the road.”

The Daily Echo has contacted Tesla for comment.