A £70 million pilot scheme has launched in the UK to power up motorway service areas to pave the way for ultra-rapid EV chargepoints.

Transport Secretary Mark Harper made the announcement on COP28 Transport Day in Dubai.

During his speech he laid out plans for up to 10 trial sites in England with boosted electrical network capacity ensuring electricity network capacity is future-proofed for at least 10 years, to 2035.

Part of the government’s rapid charging fund (RCF) will cover a portion of the costs of upgrading the electricity grid at successful motorway service areas, ensuring that the private sector can continue to expand the charging network and providing consumers more confidence to choose EVs.

Mr Harper said: “This government is on the side of drivers and working with the private sector to provide robust chargepoint infrastructure is part of our Plan for Drivers, with today’s announcement paving the way for more ultra-rapid chargepoints.”

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister, Anthony Browne added: “This is an important next step in our journey to net zero and demonstrates the government’s commitment to help the private sector expand our charging network.

The pilot, which is being delivered by National Highways, will help gather evidence to inform the design of a full fund.

The government says this investment addresses the need for a highly visible and dependable longer-distance charging network to support drivers and accelerate future EV purchases.