More UK taxpayer’s money allocated to EV charging network

EV charging networks are at the forefront again as the UK government has announced they are to throw even more money into the motoring electrification program in the UK in a bid to woo the EV driving element of the electorate (no doubt). 

This time they are to ‘invest’ GBP70 million to roll out ultra-fast EV chargers at 10 motorway service stations in England.  The scheme will cover less than 10% of the nations’ motorway service stations and is only to improve the supply of electricity to those stations so that private companies can then build the ultra-fast chargers.

The Problem It’s Trying to Solve

For years the providers of the Ultra-Fast Chargers have bleated on about the woeful state of the country’s national electricity grid, particularly in key areas like service stations in the UK. Apparently, the current electricity supply is not “robust-enough” to roll-out the type of chargers that would be able to handle the load, and probably more importantly, make them money. 

So once again to support the misguided headlong plunge into the electrification of our daily drive the publics hard earned tax dollar will be needed.

EV Charging Solution By 2035

The project, which for now is being called a “pilot-project” will install the necessary equipment to boost the electricity supply enough and thus ‘future proof’ the supply through to 2035 which is the deadline for the ban on sale of internal combustion engines in the UK. 

Mark Harper, UK Transport secretary said “This government is on the side of drivers and working with the private sector to provide robust charge-point infrastructure is part of our Plan for Drivers, with today’s announcement paving the way for more ultra-rapid charge points.

“This £70 million pilot scheme is the starting point and sends a message to consumers and industry that we are investing wisely and rapidly to grow the future of transport in the UK.” Goodness gracious the spin is making us dizzy.

Describing the next GBP70 million as a starting point probably means that he has forgotten about the GBP2 billion funding for electric cars announced just a few short weeks ago. 

The communiqué mentions that the money to be released is from the government’s rapid charging fund (RCF), but as far as we know, this model has yet to be determined.  As of now there is still a consultation process between charger operators, motorway service station providers and electricity providers to determine which chargers where and how best to spend the funding.  

FYI, this project covers less than 10% of the motorway service stations in the UK. It does feel a little like they could not organise a decent drinking session in an alcohol brewing establishment.

Read more articles about electric vehicles here:

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Will EV’s help UK’s car industry return to its former glory?
Our Honeymoon with Electric vehicles is over