UK Electric Transport Accelerates with Ultra‑Rapid Hubs, eHGV Fleets and Generous Grants

Welcome to Net Zero News,  your daily briefing on the UK’s transition to a low‑carbon future.

In 2025 the UK witnessed strong momentum in decarbonising transport through the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, delivery of ultra‑rapid charging hubs, electrification of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), and continued financial support for the green fleet transition.

By the end of 2025, the UK had nearly 90,000 public charging devices installed across more than 45,000 locations, representing a growth of 19.1% over the year. Ultra‑rapid chargers defined as 150 kW and above expanded significantly, reaching 9,893 units, a 41% increase since December 2024. Charging hubs (sites with six or more rapid or ultra‑rapid chargers) also surged by 39%, up to 748 nationwide. Regional growth was particularly strong outside London and the South‑East: the North West saw over 35% growth, while East of England, Wales and Northern Ireland each recorded about 29% growth in high‑powered chargers.

This complements earlier milestones such as crossing 100,000 public charging points in April 2025, with rapid and ultra‑rapid chargers now accounting for nearly 24% of infrastructure. In March, the UK had surpassed 75,000 charge points a 32% year-on-year increase since February 2024 and ultra‑rapid devices had grown by 74%.

Major infrastructure deployments include: Extra MSA partnering with Ionity to increase its ultra‑rapid charger count from 60 to 234 across eight motor service areas by end‑2026. All energy for these chargers is sourced from renewable supply via Octopu. InstaVolt’s Winchester Superhub, opened in March 2025, recorded over one million emission‑free miles and prevented over 275,000 kg of greenhouse gas emissions via its solar farm and battery storage. In Aberdeen, Fastned gained approval for the UK’s first indoor ultra‑rapid charging hub inside a warehouse, offering 12 bays of 400 kW chargers, expected to open winter 2026.

On the commercial side, Tarmac confirmed the rollout of five electric HGVs with an accompanying charging network supported by the government’s £200 million Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Development (ZEHID) programme. The network will feature high‑powered Voltempo chargers, including a hyper‑charger capable of delivering up to 1 MW for simultaneous charging ‑ full operations are expected in early 2026.

The shift to zero‑emission transport extends to policy. The Plug‑in Truck Grant was extended into early 2026 with an additional £18 million to support discounts of up to £120,000 for hauliers acquiring electric trucks, depending on vehicle size. Smaller trucks (4.25t‑12t) can receive up to £20,000, mid‑sized up to £60,000, and larger up to £80,000.

Further public support came via the Department for Transport’s Depot Charging Scheme, providing up to 75% reimbursement for up to £1 million per applicant to install chargers at van, HGV and coach depots facilitating deployment of over 3,000 van and 200 HGV charge points.

Market uptake of zero‑emission HGVs also rose rapidly: new registrations increased by 59.1% in the first half of 2025, though they still represent only around 1% of the HGV market, indicating significant headroom for further growth.

What this means:
The UK has made substantial progress in EV transport infrastructure expansion, with ultra‑rapid chargers and hubs growing fastest crucial to enabling long‑distance electric travel and boosting driver confidence. Major private‑sector deployments, supported by renewable energy, are complementing public infrastructure. Electrification of heavy vehicles is also advancing, backed by substantial government funding and schemes. However, zero‑emission HGV uptake remains in its infancy, and continued incentive schemes, depot infrastructure support, and commercial adoption will be essential to achieving net‑zero transport by 2050.

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