UK's charging infrastructure sees £300m funding boost for 3550 new chargers

Britain’s energy regulator, Ofgem, is investing £300m to help expand the charging network and boost the number of ultra-rapid charging points for electric vehicles (EVs) across the UK.

The cash will be used to create 3550 new charging points — including 1800 ultra-rapid charging sites at motorway service stations and 1750 standard chargers in towns and cities.

With the UK Government banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, an increasing number of drivers are planning to make the switch to electric. However, Britain’s cables, substations and other infrastructure need a massive upgrade to support this new demand for electricity.

Ofgem will help install 3550 EV chargers across the UK as part of a wider £40 billion investment in greener energy. The chargers will be delivered within the next two years by a joint initiative between Ofgem and electricity distribution companies.

While EV ownership is on the rise, a survey produced by Ofgem recently found that 36 per cent of households that don't intend to get an EV are put off making the switch by lack of access to charging. This sentiment is shared by HonestJohn.co.uk readers, too.

Glasgow, Kirkwall, Llandudno, Truro, Warrington and York are amongst the towns and cities that will benefit from increased network capacity to support more ultra-rapid chargers. Ofgem and network operators will also help install more chargers in traditionally underserved rural locations, such as railway stations in north and mid-Wales.

Jonathan Brearley, chief executive of Ofgem said: “This £300 million down payment is just the start of building back a greener energy network which will see well over £40 billion of investment in Britain’s energy networks in the next seven years.

“The payment will support the rapid take up of electric vehicles which will be vital if Britain is to hit its climate change targets. Drivers need to be confident that they can charge their car quickly when they need to. We’re paving the way for the installation of 1,800 ultra-rapid charge points, tripling the number of these public charge points. Drivers will have more charging options for longer journeys.

Rachel Maclean, Transport Minister said: “I warmly welcome today’s news from Ofgem, which will greatly improve the resilience of our charging network as we build back greener. With more than 500,000 electric cars now on UK roads, this will help to increase this number even further as drivers continue to make the switch to cleaner, greener vehicles.”