08/03/2015
The Electric Highway is Getting a Major Upgrade
In a significant leap forward for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the United Kingdom, a substantial number of new high-speed charging points have been deployed at English motorway service areas (MSAs). Recent analysis reveals a surge in the installation of 150kW+ EV chargers, marking a new record for deployment rates and enhancing the convenience for the growing number of EV drivers across the nation. This development addresses a key concern for EV adoption: the availability of rapid and reliable charging when travelling long distances.
A Fleet of New Chargers Deployed
Since the beginning of 2024, an impressive 200 additional 150kW+ electric vehicle chargers have been installed at motorway services in England. This influx represents a remarkable 51% increase over the past eight months, a testament to the accelerated pace of development in the EV charging sector. According to new analysis carried out by Zapmap and the RAC, this surge is setting new benchmarks for installation numbers. These ultra-rapid chargers are crucial for drivers looking to minimise downtime, allowing them to charge their vehicles in a matter of minutes rather than hours.
Understanding the Numbers: 150kW+ Chargers
This recent expansion means that a significant portion of England's motorway services now boasts a robust charging infrastructure. Almost half (48%) of the 114 motorway services in England are now equipped with six or more of these high-powered 150kW+ chargers. Many of these sites are not just offering 150kW speeds but also providing the very fastest charging speeds available, up to a blistering 350kW. As a result, the UK’s estimated 1.17 million EV drivers can now benefit from 595 of these ultra-rapid chargers, significantly reducing range anxiety and making longer journeys more feasible.
Meeting and Exceeding Targets
In 2022, the previous government set an ambitious target: to have six or more high-powered 50kW+ chargers at every motorway service area in England by the end of 2023. While the latest data indicates that this specific target has not yet been universally met – with 54% (61 sites) of MSAs having six or more 50kW+ chargers – the industry's focus has evidently shifted towards even faster charging technology. The advancements in charging capabilities have, in many ways, eclipsed the previous goal, with the emphasis now firmly on ultra-rapid 150kW+ charging. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of all MSAs in England now feature at least one ultra-rapid 150kW+ charger, often in addition to other, slightly slower, rapid chargers. This widespread availability of faster charging options demonstrates a proactive response from charge point operators and service providers to meet the evolving needs of EV drivers.
Leading the Charge: Top Locations
Some motorway service areas are setting a remarkable example with their extensive charging facilities. Currently, six well-located motorway services have more than 12 150kW+ devices. These include Reading M4 (east and westbound), Cobham M25, Exeter M5, Gloucester M5 northbound, and Frankley M5 southbound. When it comes to sheer volume, Frankley on the M5 southbound leads the pack with an impressive 28 150kW+ chargers. Hot on its heels is Reading on the M4 westbound, boasting 25 such chargers. It's also worth noting that while many locations have additional Tesla chargers, Tesla is increasingly opening up its network, allowing drivers of any make of EV to use their chargers at four of these key service areas.
Average Charging Provision
Looking at the overall picture of high-powered charging (over 50kW) across England, each motorway service area now has an average of seven chargers, bringing the total to 818 chargers spread across 114 sites. Focusing specifically on ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+), there is an average of five at every service area in England, totalling 595 chargers at 114 sites.
| Charger Type | Average Chargers per MSA | Total Chargers in England |
|---|---|---|
| 50kW+ | 7 | 818 |
| 150kW+ (Ultra-Rapid) | 5 | 595 |
Addressing the Gaps: Where Charging is Still Developing
Despite the significant progress, there remain a few locations where charging provision is still under development. Only four MSAs currently do not have any charging provision over 50kW. Two of these, Leicester Forest East M1 (north and southbound), are operated by Welcome Break. The company has cited difficulties in bringing sufficient power to these sites and is actively working with National Grid Electricity Distribution, National Highways, and local authorities to resolve the issue. They are hopeful to install ultra-rapid chargers at these locations next year. The other two locations without rapid charge points are Sedgemoor M5 northbound and Telford M54. Both are still awaiting high-powered grid connections. Gridserve, the charge point operator managing the nationwide Electric Highway network at motorway services, confirmed that they are aiming to commence charger installations at Sedgemoor in 2025.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How many motorway services are there in England?A1: There are 114 motorway service areas (MSAs) in England. Q2: What is the new record for EV charger installations at motorways?A2: 200 additional 150kW+ EV chargers have been installed since the beginning of 2024, representing a 51% increase in eight months. Q3: How many ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) are available on English motorways?A3: There are currently 595 ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) available across England's motorways. Q4: Which service stations have the most 150kW+ chargers?A4: Frankley M5 southbound has the most with 28, followed by Reading M4 westbound with 25. Q5: Are there any motorway services without rapid charging options?A5: Yes, four MSAs currently lack charging provision over 50kW, with plans underway to install chargers at most of these locations. Q6: What is the average number of ultra-rapid chargers per motorway service area?A6: On average, each motorway service area in England has five ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+).
The Future of Motorway Charging
The current trajectory of charger installations suggests a promising future for EV drivers. The focus on ultra-rapid charging addresses a critical need for convenience and speed, making electric vehicles a more practical choice for all types of journeys. As more sites receive increased power supply and new installations come online, the network will become even more robust, further accelerating the transition to electric mobility on UK motorways. The commitment to upgrading infrastructure ensures that the UK is moving towards a greener and more sustainable transportation system.
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