Japanese drivers will be among the first in the world to be able to plug their cars in to charge at the side of the road.

Hundreds of quick charge points are being built in and around Tokyo, Tokyo Electric Power developing a recharging station that should be able to quick charge electrically powered cars.

A five minute stop would be enough for a 40km charge, with ten minutes enough to deliver 60kms worth of power - plenty of range for typical commuter journeys.

The infrastructure is being implemented to charge electric vehicles offered by Japan's mainstream manufacturers, Mitsubishi and Subaru due to introduce plug-in vehicles within the next 12 months.

Japan hopes to see at least 3,000 electric cars on its streets within the next five years, the government encouraging reduced parking costs, cheaper financing and even lower insurance for early adopters of electric vehicles.

The charging stations will be positioned prominently in car parks, supermarkets and restaurants and will provide power to users for free.

The charging points are among many steps in Japan's aim to dramatically reduce its CO₂ emissions, the country aiming to have half of all vehicles alternatively powered by 2010.