Today is a momentous one for the UK’s electric vehicle industry as the newly formed ChargeUK – the voice of the EV charging industry – make their first spectacular announcement.
ChargeUK brings together 18 of the largest charging point installers (see full list below) and have today announced that they will invest over £6 billion installing and operating new EV charging infrastructure in the UK by 2030.
There are around 40,000 public charge points at present and ChargeUK’s members are committed to doubling that number this year alone. But they emphasise that their focus is less on absolute numbers and more on availability, ensuring that drivers have access to the right type of charge point – slow, fast or rapid – when and where they need it, right across the UK.
In their launch statement they say they will work collaboratively with government and other stakeholders to shape the policies and regulation needed to enable transition and that they will have a ‘vital role in helping the UK transition to Net Zero. The UK is among the world’s leading nations for EV infrastructure, offering a key advantage as the world works to achieve its climate goals.’
Ian Johnston, Chair of ChargeUK and CEO of Osprey Charging Network, said: ‘The formation of ChargeUK is an exciting day and is a demonstration of the electric vehicle charging industry’s growing size and importance to the UK economy.
‘Together we are investing billions of pounds to get more charge points in the ground right across the country. These numbers reinforce our commitment to the UK’s Net Zero future.
‘We will continue to be a proactive partner to Government as we deliver a world-class charging infrastructure, giving the nation’s drivers confidence to transition to electric vehicles.’
Transport decarbonisation and technology minister Jesse Norman said: ‘The launch of ChargeUK shows how industry working together, alongside the Government, can release private investment, improve delivery, raise standards and promote the use of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for drivers across the country.
‘Our commitment to decarbonising transport, backed by hundreds of millions in funding, has helped to unlock private sector investment, and the ambitious plans of ChargeUK’s members will support more people than ever make the transition to EVs.’
The founding members are:
Be.EV
Believ
bp pulse
char.gy
ChargePoint
Connected Kerb
ESB
evyve
Fastned
Genie Point
Gridserve
Ionity
Mer
Osprey
Pod Point
PoGo Charge
RAW Charging
Shell Recharge