Electric vehicle (EV) charging could move off-grid after the Government announced £10m to support new technology to remove the need for large grid connections.
The cash is intended to overcome ‘grid constraint challenges' that are currently restricting the number of chargepoints that can operate on the strategic road network. The funding is intended to develop ‘innovative energy sources and technologies' to enable existing energy supplies to ‘go further', the Department for Transport said.
Solutions, such as combinations of renewable energy sources alongside energy storage systems, are expected to target ‘harder to power' locations. The aim is to avoid the need for high-cost, lengthy grid upgrades that could otherwise delay the provision of more chargepoints.
Private operators have until 25 March 2026 to apply for a share via Innovate UK's website. To receive funding, eligible projects will have to provide ‘at least' 12 EVs with access to ‘ultra-rapid charging', which could give roughly 120 to 145 miles of range within 15 minutes of charge time.
Claire Spooner, director of mobility, Innovate UK, said: ‘Launching this competition, Innovate UK will test new approaches to the EV charging power challenges on England's strategic road network, especially in rural areas. The programme's outcomes will build capability and bring together energy and transport stakeholders to improve EV charging for longer journeys.'
