Ex-Tesla Founders Raise £60m to Boost UK Urban EV Charging

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In an exciting development for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and urban planners alike, Hubber, a forward-thinking charging platform established in 2024 by a talented team of ex-Tesla professionals, has successfully secured a remarkable £60 million in committed equity funding. This significant investment is set to propel the company’s mission to establish a robust network of high-powered urban charging hubs across the United Kingdom.

Founded by industry veterans Harry Fox, Connor Selwood, and Hugh Leckie, Hubber aims to tackle the pressing issue of urban charging solutions. This ambitious initiative comes on the heels of growing concerns that the availability of fast and affordable charging options in city settings is not keeping pace with the rapid adoption of electric vehicles. The investment, spearheaded by James Bayliss, the former head trader at Elliott Advisors (UK), is expected to accelerate Hubber’s growth trajectory, allowing them to deliver an initial fleet of 30 charging hubs.

The company’s inaugural hub is set to open in Forest Hill, London, on 20 August, in partnership with Raw Charging. With the leadership team’s impressive background, which includes the successful delivery of over 100 Tesla Supercharger sites and more than 1,200 ultra-rapid charging points before the disbandment of Tesla’s Supercharger division in April 2024, Hubber is uniquely positioned to address the ‘urban charging problem’ that has become increasingly urgent.

As commercial fleets – such as taxis, ride-hailing services, last-mile delivery vans, and buses – electrify at an unprecedented pace, they often encounter significant barriers due to a lack of appropriate charging solutions tailored to their operational needs. This challenge is exacerbated by the fact that approximately 40% of UK households lack access to a driveway, further complicating the charging process for many drivers.

The £60 million investment will be strategically allocated to the acquisition and development of next-generation, high-powered EV charging hubs located in major cities across the UK. These hubs will be supported by megawatt-scale grid connections, ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the growing demand for EV charging. Hubber’s approach involves delivering modular, planning-approved, and ready-to-operate sites, catering specifically to charge point operators and commercial fleet partners.

At the core of Hubber’s business model is a proprietary site-selection method, combined with turnkey design and delivery capabilities and a reliable supply chain. This unique strategy enables the company to deliver higher-quality charging sites more quickly and efficiently than its competitors. Harry Fox, the CEO of Hubber, emphasised the urgency of the situation, stating, “Early ultra-fast charging focused on motorways and ‘range anxiety’, but today the real pressure is in cities. The fleets doing the most miles – taxis, ride-hail, delivery vans, buses – are electrifying fast, yet city infrastructure is lagging.”

Fox went on to highlight the critical importance of large, high-powered hubs in facilitating continuous, efficient, and scalable operations. He noted that persistent delays in the establishment of these hubs have created a significant shortfall in infrastructure, particularly as demand for urban charging surges. “That’s the gap Hubber will address,” he asserted, showcasing the company’s commitment to bridging this divide.

James Bayliss, one of the investors involved in this funding round, echoed Fox’s sentiments by stating, “Urban EV charging remains one of the UK’s biggest infrastructure challenges. This uniquely skilled team now has the capital to address it, and we expect their work to make a significant and lasting impact on the country’s electrification.”

As electric vehicles continue to gain traction and more drivers make the switch from fossil fuels to electric power, the need for accessible and efficient charging solutions becomes ever more pressing. This is particularly true in urban environments, where the complexities of space and infrastructure can often hinder the development of effective charging networks.

Hubber’s ambitious plans and impressive funding indicate a positive step forward in overcoming these challenges. The company’s expertise, coupled with its innovative approach to site development and strategic partnerships, positions it as a leader in the urban charging sector. By focusing on high-powered hubs that cater to the needs of commercial fleets and everyday drivers alike, Hubber is poised to play a crucial role in the UK’s journey toward net zero emissions.

As we look to the future, it is clear that projects like Hubber’s are essential in creating a sustainable urban environment where electric vehicles can thrive. With the electrification of transport being a key component of the UK’s climate goals, initiatives that enhance charging infrastructure are vital in enabling a smooth transition to greener alternatives.

In conclusion, Hubber’s successful funding round marks a significant milestone not just for the company, but for the future of urban EV charging across the UK. As they roll out their first hubs and expand their network, the impact of their work will be felt by drivers, businesses, and the planet alike. The journey towards a cleaner, more sustainable future is undoubtedly a collaborative effort, and with companies like Hubber leading the charge, we can remain optimistic about the path ahead.

Stay tuned to the Net Zero News Network for more updates on the evolving landscape of electric vehicle infrastructure and the exciting innovations that are shaping our journey towards net zero.