Ofgem pledges to install 3550 new EV chargers across UK

Some 1800 ultra-rapid chargers will be added to motorways, with a further 1750 for towns and cities

Energy regulator Ofgem will install 3550 electric chargers across the UK as part of a £40 billion investment in greener energy.

Some 1800 new ultra-rapid chargers will be installed at motorway service areas and key trunk roads, while a further 1750 chargers will be rolled out in towns and cities. The chargers will be delivered within the next two years.

The roll-out is part of a larger investment from Ofgem to the tune of around £40 billion to grow the UK’s green energy structure. The energy regulator also announced a £300 million down payment for investment in over 200 low-carbon projects.

While electric car ownership is on the rise, a survey produced by Ofgem recently found that 36% of households that do not intend to get an EV are put off making the switch by lack of access to charging.

“An extensive motorway charging network and more charging points in cities and train stations will help address this ‘range anxiety’,” Ofgem said.

Cities like Glasgow, Kirkwall, Warrington, Llandudno, York and Truro will benefit from increased network capacity to support more ultra-rapid chargers and increased electricity generation under the scheme.

Ofgem will also install more chargers in traditionally underserved rural locations such as train stations in north and mid-Wales.

Ofgem boss Jonathan Brearley said: “This £300 million down payment is just the start of building back a greener energy network which will see well over £40 billion of investment in Britain’s energy networks in the next seven years.

“The payment will support the rapid take up of electric vehicles which will be vital if Britain is to hit its climate change targets. Drivers need to be confident that they can charge their car quickly when they need to.”

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