The UK’s new Labour government has cancelled the £950 million Rapid Charging Fund originally planned to install ultra-fast electric vehicle chargers along motorways. This fund, first announced by the previous Conservative administration, never received a clear budget and often faced criticism for favouring big motorway service operators over everyday drivers.
Instead of focusing on motorway hubs, Labour is shifting its efforts to build more on-street charging points in towns and cities. A fresh £400 million package will roll out over five years, mainly helping residential areas and communities that private companies often overlook. This move aims to make charging fairer for people who do not have driveways or private parking at home.
Industry reactions are mixed but many agree that the rapid charger network near motorways has improved in recent years. Since 2020, the number of rapid chargers close to major roads has nearly quadrupled. Today, the UK has more than 80,000 public charging points and rapid chargers alone have increased by about 30 percent in the past year.
Despite this progress, charging remains costly compared to Europe and access is still uneven, especially in low-income areas and for drivers with mobility challenges. High prices and patchy information often make people anxious about finding a reliable charger for longer journeys.
Experts say the success of Labour’s new plan will depend on directing funds to where they matter most. Grid upgrades along key A-roads and in less-served towns will be critical. Clearer road signs to help drivers find chargers more easily could also ease everyday use.
This shift from big motorway projects to local street networks shows a new priority: making electric vehicle charging part of daily life for all drivers, not just those passing through major routes. If done well, this could help build public confidence and keep the UK’s switch to electric cars on track, especially for households who rely on street parking.
