Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 10
10
Paragraph: 58
Project Rapid, which specifies the number of charge points on the strategic road network by...
Conclusion
Project Rapid, which specifies the number of charge points on the strategic road network by 2023 and beyond, is welcome. However, the spending priorities for the £950 million rapid charging fund are currently obscure. Given the time and expense involved in upgrading grid connections, it is crucial that this money is distributed to unlock investment, provide fully future-proofed grid capacity and secure public confidence in charging infrastructure.
Paragraph Reference:
58
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The Government partially accepts these recommendations. We agree that the public charging network needs to include both a reliable network of high powered chargepoints along major roads, and well-maintained local charging provision. To ensure the private sector can continue to expand the charging network at pace in the 2020s, the Government will invest £950 million in future proofing grid capacity along the Strategic Road Network and major A roads to prepare for 100% uptake of zero emission cars and vans ahead of need through the Rapid Charging Fund. This will be focused on sites where upgrading to this level of future-proofed infrastructure would be uncommercial. The Government has already engaged closely with industry on the plans for this fund and will continue to do so as the fund’s design and implementation is finalised. Details of the fund will be announced separately to the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, though the Strategy will refer to the important role of en-route charging for ZEV drivers, particularly for combatting consumer range anxiety about long-distance journeys.