The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) has hit out at reports that the government’s £950 million Rapid Charging Fund has been scrapped due to a lack of interest from motorway service operators.
The Guardian was among media outlets that reported Labour ministers had scrapped a promise by the previous government for a £950m fund for installing electric car chargers near motorways, instead setting aside a smaller sum mainly for on-street charging points.
The fund, originally announced in 2021, aimed to install over 6,000 rapid and ultra-rapid charge points on England’s motorways by 2035 but was deemed commercially unviable by operators.
NFDA said that the availability of reliable and accessible charging infrastructure is critical to the successful rollout of electric vehicles (EVs) across the UK.
Recent polling by Ipsos Mori highlights that concerns over charging infrastructure, rather than range, are now the primary barrier to EV adoption. This “charge anxiety” must be addressed to ensure consumer confidence in making the switch to zero-emission vehicles.
The NFDA welcomes the government’s new £400 million initiative to address the shortcomings of the previous scheme but stresses the importance of streamlined processes and collaboration with industry stakeholders to avoid similar pitfalls.
“It is disappointing to see the failure of the Rapid Charging Fund, as a robust charging infrastructure is essential to support the growing number of EV drivers.
“Franchised dealers play a key role in guiding consumers through the EV buying journey, but without sufficient charging points, many drivers remain hesitant to make the switch.
The government must work closely with industry to ensure that future initiatives are practical, commercially viable, and meet the needs of both motorists and businesses,” said NFDA CEO Sue Robinson.
