Electric vehicle drivers in England have reason to celebrate as the number of high-powered chargers at motorway services has surged since the start of 2024.
According to new research from Zapmap and the RAC, there has been a remarkable 51 per cent increase in 150kW+ chargers over the past eight months, with 200 additional units installed.
This significant boost brings the total number of these ultra-rapid chargers to 595 across England's motorway network.
With these advancements, an estimated 1.17 million EV drivers in the UK can now charge their vehicles in a matter of minutes at an increasing number of locations along major routes.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
Many motorway service stations fell foul of the Government's targets last year
PA
The rapid expansion of charging infrastructure has brought England closer to meeting Government targets for EV charging availability.
Nearly half (48 per cent) of the 114 motorway services now boast six or more 150kW+ chargers, with many offering speeds up to 350kW.
While the previous Government's ambition of having six or more 50kW+ chargers at every motorway service area by the end of 2023 has not been fully realised, the industry has surpassed expectations by focusing on faster charging options.
Currently, 54 per cent of motorway services have six or more 50kW+ chargers, and almost two-thirds have at least one ultra-rapid 150kW+ charger.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams, said: "Although the previous Government’s target of having six high-powered chargers over 50kW at every motorway services in England was undoubtedly missed, it’s very clear that great progress is being made regardless and, in some locations, the number of chargers provided is now extremely impressive.
"As we’ve long said, this is just what’s needed to give current and prospective EV drivers the reassurance to know they can get back on the road quickly when making long journeys beyond the range of their cars.
"We know there is a willingness from both service station companies and charge point operators to get as many of the fastest devices put in, but often the prime stumbling block is getting the required high-powered connections to the country’s national electricity grid."
He noted how more needed to be done to support the development of the EV charging infrastructure across the nation, especially to make it quicker and easier for motorists.
Williams also highlighted the Government's £950million Rapid Charging Fund which will continue to be used in the coming years to deliver more high-speed connections.
However, challenges remain as four motorway services currently lack charging provision over 50kW, with two sites facing power supply difficulties and two awaiting high-powered grid connections. Operators are working to resolve these issues, with installations planned for the coming years.
The development of high-powered charging hubs near popular routes is complementing the motorway service area infrastructure. Across England, there are now 302 hubs with six or more 50kW+ devices located close to major roads.
The data showed how chargepoint operators were helping with the push for more motorway service stations to have more chargers, including Gridserve's Electric Forecourts, Osprey's hubs and InstaVolt's 32 new high=powered chargers on the M40.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Sadiq Khan issued urgent warning ahead of 'detrimental' driving law changes next year - 'How is it right?'
- Lower Thames Crossing decision delayed until next year as Labour leaves drivers with anxious wait
- Historic 200-year-old road faces closure amid fears of devastating landslip - ‘Beyond what we can do’
Experts have praised Tesla's decision to open the Supercharger network to other vehicle brands
PA
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO of Zapmap, said: "The increase in number of high-powered charging at motorway service areas since the beginning of the year has been impressive. It’s good to see Tesla opening up some of its locations to all vehicles, and I am sure there is more to come.
“We know from our surveys and data that motorway service areas are very popular, convenient charging locations, and as more people make the switch to electric, it is important that there is sufficient visible provision at each and every motorway service area."