ChargeUK, a new trade association which launched today (28 April), is aiming to invest £6 billion by 2030 in EV charging and double the size of the UK EV charging network in 2023.
The association, which brings together 18 EV charging companies, will look to increase the availability of charging in addition to accelerating investment and delivery. This will be achieved via collaboration with government and other stakeholders to break down barriers and shape policies and regulation.
Founding members of the organisation include: Be.EV, Believe, bp pulse, char.gy, ChargePoint, Connected Kerb, ESB, evyve, Fastned, Genie Point, Gridserve, Ionity, Mer, Osprey, Pod Point, PoGo Charge, RAW Charging and Shell Recharge.
“The formation of ChargeUK is an exciting day and is a demonstration of the EV charging industry’s growing size and importance to the UK economy,” said Ian Johnston, chair of ChargeUK and CEO of Osprey Charging Network.
“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 EVs.”
The trade association formed at a time when EV adoption has been surging. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the number of EVs on the UK roads grew to 1.1 million in early 2023. The increase in EVs means that the number of chargepoints rolled out is lagging behind. In 2021 there was one public chargepoint per 31 EVs, with this having fallen to one for every 36.
ChargeUK will attempt to rectify this and ensure charging infrastructure keeps up with EV adoption. To achieve this, the group will install “tens of thousands of new chargers this year”.
“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,” said transport decarbonisation and technology minister Jesse Norman.
“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 to make the transition to EVs.”
