Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 15
15
Deferred
Current ultra-rapid charge point benchmark insufficient for future demand and power capacity
Conclusion
The Department stated that there was not necessarily a very scientific underpinning for using six ultra–rapid charge points as its benchmark today, however, meeting charge point demand in the longer term might require much more than this, and in July 2024 only around 10% of motorway service areas in England had the power capacity needed to meet demand to at least 2035.26
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the observation regarding the benchmark for charge points and power capacity. They will provide an update to the Committee in September 2025 on the rollout of ultra-rapid chargepoints, including understanding provision gaps and outlining next steps.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
3.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: September 2025 3.2 As set out in the NAO’s report, the number of chargepoints installed on and around the Strategic Road Network (SRN) that can charge vehicles quickly has grown substantially and is ahead of expectations. As of January 2025, there are more than 5,250 rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints within one mile of the SRN, including more than 1,100 at motorway service areas. This means that the number of chargepoints on both measures has doubled over the last 18 months. 3.3 However, there is more to do to improve the distribution of chargepoints on the SRN. There are some motorway service areas without a minimum baseline provision as well as gaps in chargepoint provision on some stretches of major A roads. There are also many charging sites that will require large power capacity upgrades to meet future demand, some of which may not be commercially viable in the near term. 3.4 The government will write to the Committee in September 2025 to provide an update on the rollout of ultra-rapid chargepoints at motorway service areas and across the wider SRN. This update will include work that has been undertaken to understand why gaps in provision exist and outline next steps to address these gaps.