Analysis Reveals Shortfall in Rapid Charger Installations Across England
A recent analysis has revealed that the UK Government has missed its target for installing electric vehicle (EV) chargers at motorway service areas across England. The Department for Transport (DfT) had set an ambitious goal for at least six rapid or ultra-rapid chargers to be available at every service area by the end of 2023, but the latest data shows that only 46 out of 119 sites (39%) meet this target.
The figure represents a modest increase from 23% at the end of April, but still falls far short of the DfT’s goal. Four motorway service areas – Leicester Forest (on both sides of the M1), Tebay South (on the M6), and Barton Park (on the A1(M)) – have no chargers at all. These rapid chargers, which can add 100 miles of range in around 35 minutes, are seen as critical in encouraging long-distance drivers to switch from petrol and diesel to electric vehicles.
The DfT had previously stated that many motorway service operators were committed to meeting the 2023 target, with more than 70% having plans to install the chargers. A £950 million rapid charging fund was promised to support the rollout, but this fund has not yet been made available, despite being set to open in spring 2023.
RAC spokesperson Simon Williams commented: “It’s clear that the Government has fallen well short of its target. There is an eagerness from chargepoint companies and motorway service operators to install the units, but the main obstacle is the high-power cabling to the grid, which is out of their control.”
While the DfT has highlighted a significant increase in the overall number of public chargepoints, with approximately 96% of motorway services now offering charging, many feel the lack of high-powered units along key routes hampers EV adoption.
A DfT spokeswoman responded, saying: “We are driving forward the biggest reforms to the electricity grid in decades, aiming to halve the time it takes to build networks and speed up connections.” However, many are calling for quicker action to ensure EV drivers have confidence when embarking on long journeys.
