New rules for drivers at motorway service stations in government 'pilot'

New rules for drivers at motorway service stations in government ‘pilot’

Electric car drivers could benefit from more EV chargers at motorway services in a huge boost, it has been revealed. The rapid charging fund applications has closed with the government looking to increase the number of electric vehicle chargers around the UK.

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. Transport Secretary Mark Harper said previously: “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.” It was announced that National Highways will work with the Government to gather evidence about how the rapid charging fund should be outlined.

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The fund faced investigations from the Competition and Markets Authority over the potential for the subsidies to distort competition between motorway service area operators, which published its final report in June. “It’s very disappointing that the rapid charging fund is still not open for business,” said Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, a motoring group. He warned the government was also on track to break a pledge to have six high-powered chargers at every motorway service area in England by the end of 2023.

“In May the RAC found that less than a quarter of 119 motorway services had the prescribed number of chargers, so it seems unlikely there will have been enough progress to get anywhere near this target,” he said.

“Drivers making journeys beyond the range of their vehicles need to know they can quickly and simply recharge at these key locations. If this commitment isn’t delivered on it risks slowing down the transition to zero-emission driving even more.”