Prime Highlights:
- The UK government has announced £10 million in funding to support new technology that enables EV chargepoints to work off-grid and speed up the rollout across the country.
- The initiative focuses on improving access to fast charging on motorways, major roads, and rural areas to make long-distance electric travel easier.
Key Facts:
- Companies can apply for the funding until 25 March 2026.
- Selected projects must allow at least 12 EVs to charge at once, providing up to 145 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
Background:
In a big move to speed up the electric vehicle (EV) shift, the UK government has announced £10 million in funding to support new technology that will let EV chargepoints work without relying on the main power grid. Announced on 3 November 2025, the plan aims to strengthen the country’s charging network and make long-distance electric travel easier, especially in rural and remote areas.
The funding will help overcome existing grid constraints that often slow down the installation of new chargers along England’s motorways and major A-roads. By enabling chargepoints to run without large or expensive grid connections, the government hopes to significantly expand the network and strengthen the infrastructure required for the UK’s transition to cleaner transport.
Private operators are now invited to apply for a share of the fund by 25 March 2026. Projects applying for the fund must show solutions that can provide ultra-rapid charging for at least 12 electric vehicles at once, giving each car about 120 to 145 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
The ideas could include using renewable energy, like solar power, combined with battery storage systems. This would help lower costs, cut down on long grid connection delays, and offer fast charging in areas with limited access to strong power networks.
Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, said the initiative is part of the government’s broader effort to support innovation, job creation, and sustainable energy use. He said the government is investing £10 million to boost new technology that will increase the number of EV chargepoints on motorways and main roads, helping make electric travel easier for drivers.
This funding follows the £650 million Electric Car Grant scheme, which has already helped over 25,000 drivers switch to electric vehicles, contributing to a record 23% increase in the UK’s charging network this year. Claire Spooner, Director of Mobility at Innovate UK, added that the program would help connect energy and transport sectors to make EV charging more reliable and convenient for drivers nationwide.
