UK Transport Secretary Mark Harper has unveiled a new £70 million pilot scheme aimed at increasing the number of ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) charge points at motorway service areas and encouraging private investment in the EV charging infrastructure. The initiative plans to establish up to 10 trial sites in England, focusing on upgrading electrical network capacity to ensure resilience for at least a decade, up to 2035.
As part of the government’s broader rapid charging fund, the announcement addresses the need for robust EV charging infrastructure by covering certain costs associated with upgrading the electricity grid at successful motorway service areas. The objective is to facilitate private-sector expansion of the charging network while enhancing the overall charging experience for EV users.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting drivers and collaborating with the private sector to build a reliable charge point infrastructure. The £70 million pilot scheme represents an initial step, signaling the government’s strategic investment to foster the growth of the future transport landscape in the UK.
Harper stated, “This £70 million 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.”
Simultaneously, the UK and the US have jointly announced plans to launch a competition aimed at developing green shipping corridors connecting both countries. The concept of green shipping corridors involves dedicated infrastructure along major routes to enable vessels to access low and zero-emission fuels, along with facilities like shoreside power.
Sarah Treseder, CEO of the UK Chamber of Shipping, highlighted the importance of green shipping corridors in decarbonizing shipping, particularly on key routes such as the UK and US. Treseder expressed anticipation about collaborating with both governments and stakeholders involved in the competition, aiming to transform the project into a model for successfully establishing green corridors.
