The UK government has announced a £10 million funding pot to support cutting-edge technology designed to futureproof England’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network. Officials say will this help “power up the future of driving.”
The initiative, unveiled by the Department for Transport, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, and Aviation and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather, aims to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing Britain’s EV rollout: the limits of the national grid.
The funding will be directed toward projects capable of operating chargers without large or costly grid connections, or even completely off-grid. The goal is to bring rapid and ultra-rapid charging to England’s motorways, major A-roads, and rural regions that have historically been difficult or expensive to connect.
In simple terms, it’s about getting more charging points where they’re needed most, and fast.
Eligible companies have until 25 March 2026 to apply for a share of the funding through Innovate UK. Successful projects must enable at least 12 EVs to use ultra-rapid chargers simultaneously.
These chargers can deliver enough electricity to add roughly 120 to 145 miles of range in just 15 minutes, the equivalent of driving from Birmingham to York.
Why it matters
While EV sales continue to climb, concerns about charging access remain a stumbling block for many drivers.
The term “range anxiety”, fear of running out of power before finding a charger, is now being replaced by “charge anxiety,” as drivers worry about the availability, reliability, and speed of charging infrastructure.
Recent government statistics show that the UK now boasts 86,021 public chargepoints, a record high and a 23% increase over the past year.
Rural regions, including parts of Yorkshire, the North West, Scotland, and Wales, have led this growth.
However, some areas still face delays due to grid capacity limits, particularly near motorways or isolated communities.
By supporting off-grid and flexible power technologies, like solar arrays, battery storage systems, and hybrid renewable setups, the government hopes to bypass these bottlenecks.
The approach not only speeds up installations but also reduces reliance on costly grid upgrades.
Minister Keir Mather highlighted that the initiative builds on existing government support for EV adoption, saying the new investment will “get more chargepoints on motorways and major A-roads” while “backing British innovation, boosting jobs, and making EV travel easier than ever.”
This announcement follows the £650 million Electric Car Grant, which offers up to £3,750 off 39 approved EV models. So far, over 25,000 drivers have benefitted, helping push EV sales up 29% in September alone.
The funding news also aligns with wider government plans to simplify home charging for renters and residents without driveways.
A new consultation proposes cutting planning fees by £250, making it easier to install private chargepoints. For many households, that could bring the running cost of an EV down to just 2p per mile, or about £2.50 for a trip from London to Birmingham.
