Government sets out plans to boost rapid EV charging network
The government has outlined its ambitions for increasing the number of rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints along motorways and major A roads.
High powered chargepoints are able to charge up to 3 times faster than most of the chargepoints currently in place, and can deliver around 120-145 miles of range in just 15 minutes for a typical electric vehicle.
A policy paper published 14th May outlined several targets which will be supported by the new Rapid Charging Fund, announced in the 2020 budget.
The targets at a glance:
- By 2023: motorway services should each have at least 6 high powered, open access chargepoints (150 – 350 kilowatt capable), with some larger sites having as many as 10-12.
- By 2030: the government wants to see around 2,500 high powered chargepoints in place across England’s motorways and major A roads.
- By 2035, it wants to see the number rise to around 6,000.
Extensive public charging infrastructure across the UK’s major routes is key to the government’s transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles. A consultation is currently underway to bring forward the ban on new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2035.
‘Hassle free’
The policy paper also outlined plans to make all new chargepoints ‘easy to use and hassle-free’, including supporting drivers with 24/7 customer care, clear pricing information at each chargepoint, and ensuring that sites have chargepoints that support all types of EVs.
