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Tackling high electricity network upgrade costs at motorway service areas in England is a focal point of a government consultation on a new Strategic Charging Infrastructure scheme.
The proposed scheme would support selected motorway service areas where the cost of securing sufficient grid capacity is not commercially viable for industry. Government would strengthen electricity network connections, then make that capacity available at a subsidised rate to firms installing open-access EV charging.
The scheme has an indicative allocation of £190 million and is intended to help enable ultra-rapid charging at priority sites. The consultation closes at 11:59pm on 28 July 2026.
The BVRLA will submit a response, highlighting the importance of grid connection support beyond motorway service areas. The Association will make the case for similar funding in other fleet-critical locations where connection costs and delays are slowing the transition, including airports and depots.
Members are encouraged to share views, examples or questions for the BVRLA to reflect in its response, particularly around grid connection costs, timelines, capacity constraints and charging infrastructure viability.
Members operating electric vans or HGVs are also reminded that BVRLA membership can be used as part of the eligibility criteria for the Depot Charging Scheme, where vehicles are housed or maintained on site.
The full consultation can be accessed on GOV.UK, members should contact the BVRLA policy team ([email protected]) with views or input ahead of the 28 July deadline.
