Motorway charging points surge by 51% in 2024
The UK is taking giant strides towards a sustainable future, with the recent installation of 200 additional 150kW+ electric vehicle (EV) chargers at motorway services in England. This significant development, analysed by Zapmap and the RAC, marks a 51% increase in the last eight months, setting a new record for installation numbers.
With almost half (48% – 55 sites) of the 114 motorway services in England now equipped with six or more of these high-power chargers, nearly two-thirds (64%) of service stations boast at least one ultra-rapid 150kW+ charger. Some stations go the extra mile by providing points up to 350kW, catering to the charging needs of the UK’s 1.17 million EV drivers.
The landscape of EV charging across the country is evolving rapidly, with locations like Reading M4 east and westbound, Cobham M25, Exeter M5, Gloucester M5 northbound, and Frankley M5 southbound leading the charge with stations having more than 12 150kW+ devices. Among these, Frankley M5 southbound stands out with 28 150kW chargers, the highest number in the UK, followed closely by Reading M4 westbound with 25.
Aside from the staggering number of chargers available, some locations also offer Tesla chargers that are now accessible to drivers of other EV models at four different sites. This inclusivity underscores a collaborative effort within the EV infrastructure sector to promote user convenience and accessibility.
For high-power charging over 50kW, each motorway service station boasts an average of seven chargers, totalling to 818 chargers spread across 114 sites. Pioneering the way for ultra-rapid chargers, there is now an average of five at each service station in England, setting a benchmark for future installations and advancements in charging technology.
RAC head of policy, Simon Williams, expressed optimism about the surge in ultra-rapid chargers, which now represent nearly three-quarters (73%) of all high-powered devices at motorway services. This increase, up from 54% a year ago, not only enhances the EV driver experience but also alleviates concerns around range anxiety, making long journeys more viable for electric car users.
Williams further highlighted the challenges faced by service station companies and charge point operators in securing high-powered connections to the national electricity grid, a vital aspect for efficient charger deployment. He stressed the importance of streamlining this process to accelerate the growth of EV infrastructure and praised the Government’s £950m Rapid Charging Fund for its commitment to improving high-speed connections.
Reflecting on the monumental progress in charging infrastructure, Zapmap co-founder and chief operating officer, Melanie Shufflebotham, commended the substantial investment made by charge point operators and motorway service providers in enhancing EV charging facilities at motorway service areas. She anticipates further developments in the EV charging sector and applauded Tesla for opening up some of its locations to all vehicles, a move that signifies a more interconnected and accessible charging network for EV users.
As the UK continues to pave the way for sustainable transportation through the widespread deployment of high-powered EV chargers, the future looks promising for electric vehicle adoption and eco-friendly mobility. With a growing network of efficient and rapid charging solutions, the transition to a greener transport system is becoming increasingly feasible for drivers across the country.
Image from Shutterstock
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