The popular rapid charging fund applications close today with the Government looking to increase the number of electric vehicle chargers around the UK.
Experts and the Government have outlined the importance of rolling out more electric vehicle chargers to help motorists have the confidence to buy an EV.
The Rapid Charging Fund aims to remove barriers when installing more public EV chargers at motorway service stations and help operators expand the charging network around the country.
The pilot will fund a portion of the cost of upgrading connections at motorway service areas in England only, with applications closing today, February 28.
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Applications for the Rapid Charging Fund end on February 28
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It has been rolled out by the Government to address charging anxiety by providing grant funding that will future-proof grid capacity.
Applications were originally opened on December 6, 2023, following an announcement from Transport Secretary Mark Harper at the COP28 climate conference in Dubai.
Speaking at the time, the MP for the Forest of Dean, said: “This Government is on the side of drivers and working with the private sector to provide robust chargepoint infrastructure is part of our Plan for Drivers, with today’s announcement paving the way for more ultra-rapid chargepoints.
“This £70million 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.”
The scheme is designed to ensure that electricity network capacity at the sites is future-proofed for at least a decade until 2035.
It was announced that National Highways will work with the Government to gather evidence about how the rapid charging fund should be outlined.
A number of motorway service stations are already making the transition to electric vehicles by installing more EV charging points.
Arguably the most famous motorway service station in the UK, Watford Gap, has plans to demolish most of the single-storey buildings to make space for EV chargers.
There are plans to redevelop the northbound and southbound services, with new features including Roadchef facilities, 150 electric vehicle charging points and a two-storey car park.
Electric vehicle owners may have the chance to wait in an airport-style executive lounge when their car charges, allowing them time to relax, check emails or get a coffee.
Roadchef has a partnership with Gridserve to set up six “Electric Super Hubs” at service stations along motorways around the country.
It is hoped that this will contribute to the deployment of a minimum of six 350kW-capable EV chargers at each site.
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There are more than 55,000 charging stations around the UK
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The Watford Gap motorway service station is one of the most popular stops on the M1 and was frequented in the past by The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd.