200 new 150kW+ EV chargers have been installed at motorway service stations in England since the beginning of this year, according to analysis by Zapmap and the RAC.
This is said to represent a 51% increase over the last eight months and a new record for installation numbers.
The rollout means 48% of motorway service stations now have six or more 150kW+ chargers.
Although the previous UK Government’s target of having six of more 50kW+ chargers at each services by the end of 2023 was missed, with only 54% of sites meeting this criteria currently, Zapmap and the RAC say this target has been somewhat eclipsed by the move to faster charging.
64% of services now have at least one 150kW+ charger – often in addition to other, slower chargers.
Zapmap co-founder and chief operating officer Melanie Shufflebotham said: “There has been a huge investment in charging at motorway services areas over the past couple of years by charge point operators and motorway service providers.
“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.
“That said, the huge growth of charging hubs, typically very close to key routes, means that EV drivers do not need to solely rely on the motorway service areas, and have a broad range of options from which to choose.”
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.
“It is particularly encouraging to see so many ultra-rapid chargers being installed, with these representing nearly three-quarters (73%) of all the high-powered devices at motorway services so far this year, up from 54% a year ago. 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. More needs to be done to make this process faster and simpler than it is currently. This is the exact point of the government’s £950m Rapid Charging Fund, so it would be good to see this delivering more high-speed connections soon.”
