The UK’s transport secretary Mark Harper has announced a new £70 million pilot scheme designed to roll out “ultra-rapid” electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints across England.

Speaking at COP28 Transport Day in Dubai, Harper laid out plans for up to 10 trial sites to boost electrical network capacity.

The secretary for transport said that the electricity network capacity is future-proofed for at least 10 years to 2035.

The move forms part of the government's rapid charging fund (RCF) which will cover a portion of the costs of upgrading the electricity grid at successful motorway service areas.

The government says this will ensure that the private sector can continue to expand the charging network and provide consumers with "more confidence" to choose EVs.

“This government is on the side of drivers and working with the private sector to provide robust chargepoint infrastructure is part of our Plan for Drivers, with today’s announcement paving the way for more ultra-rapid chargepoints,” said transport secretary Mark Harper. “This £70 million pilot scheme is the starting point and sends a message to consumers and industry that we are investing wisely and rapidly to grow the future of transport in the UK.”

The government is also launching a 10-week rapid charging fund consultation seeking views from a range of stakeholders, including chargepoint operators, motorway service area operators and electricity suppliers, on where chargers are needed most and how best to design the RCF.

Alongside the pilot launch, the UK and the US are teaming up to announce a competition to develop green shipping corridors between both countries.

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