The energy regulator Ofgem has today announced £300m of investment to ensure the UK has the energy infrastructure necessary to support the move to low carbon transport and heating while maintaining secure supplies. This includes new infrastructure to support 1,800 new ultra-rapid charging points at motorway service areas.

In response, a National Infrastructure Commission spokesperson said:

“The investment in the electricity grid announced today by Ofgem – including supporting 1800 ultrarapid chargepoints on A-roads and motorways – is a welcome boost and supports the delivery of Commission recommendations. It helps send a green light to drivers to encourage them make the switch to electric vehicles.

“Government should also publish a roadmap for wider EV charging infrastructure this year, as recommended in our annual monitoring report, to generate greater momentum towards decarbonising our roads that will help ensure the UK reaches its net zero goals.”

The Commission’s 2021 Annual Monitoring Report, published in February, proposed a ten point plan for accelerating action to turn government’s ambitions on infrastructure into reality. A roadmap for EVs charging infrastructure was one of ten priorities identified, along with steps to decarbonise the economy, support strategic transport investment and devolution in cities, and maintain progress on broadband rollout.