Here at Walker Electrical, we are Preston’s leading electrical professionals. In our latest blog we looked at the installation of EV charging points in all new homes in the UK. But what about charging stations when you’re out and about. One of the barriers often presented against electric cars is the risk of running out of power while you’re on a long journey. Well, just this week there has been news of a significant development. A series of rapid EV chargers will be installed across the UK Motorway Network. So what does this mean? And could this help to break down some of the common barriers against travelling in electric vehicles?
Rapid EV charging for motorways
IONITY is a joint venture between a range of companies including Daimler, Ford, BMW, and the Volkswagen Group with Audi and Porsche. This venture has announced a partnership with Extra MSA Group, a long-term specialist investment owner, developer and operator on the UK Motorway Network. Together, IONITY and Extra MSA Group are installing a series of chargers across the motorway. Each motorway station included in the plan will have six state-of-the-art 350 kW Chargers. This decision forms part of the company’s move to introduce up to 2400 Chargers installed by end of 2020 in Europe.
What does this mean for drivers?
So, what does this decision mean for drivers? Well drivers can expect a much faster charging rate, with their vehicle reaching full charge in just 20 minutes, compared to the current 45 minutes to an hour. It also means there will be more motorway destinations to charge an EV when making a longer journey. This makes electric cars much more viable for commuters with longer journeys, as well as families.
Michael Ellis, Roads Minister, said
“The Government’s ambition is for the UK to be the best place in the world to own an electric vehicle.
“To achieve this, we are working to ensure high quality charging infrastructure is in place to support the clean, green vehicles travelling across the country.”
“Our Road to Zero strategy outlined plans to support the delivery of an electric vehicle infrastructure network that is accessible, reliable, affordable and secure and so we welcome IONITY’s plans to install High Power Charging networks across UK motorways.”
For professional, reliable EV charging point installation in your home or workplace, get in touch with the experts today, here at Walker Electrical.