New trade body created for UK charge point operators

A new trade body for the UK's electric vehicle (EV) charging industry has launched.

ChargeUK brings together 18 of the country’s largest charge point operators (CPOs), which collectively have announced they will invest more than £6 billion installing and operating new EV charging infrastructure by 2030.

Tens of thousands of new chargers will be installed this year, with the aim of doubling the size of the network through 2023. 

Ian Johnston, chair of ChargeUK and CEO of Osprey Charging Network, said: “The formation of ChargeUK is an exciting day and is a demonstration of the electric vehicle charging industry’s growing size and importance to the UK economy.

“Together we are investing billions of pounds to get more charge points in the ground right across the country. These numbers reinforce our commitment to the UK’s Net Zero future.

“We will continue to be a proactive partner to Government as we deliver a world-class charging infrastructure, giving the nation’s drivers confidence to transition to electric vehicles.”

As the sector continues to increase the availability of charging and to accelerate investment and delivery, ChargeUK has pledged to work with Government and other stakeholders to break down barriers and shape the policies and regulation needed to enable transition.

Transport decarbonisation and technology minister, Jesse Norman, said: “The launch of ChargeUK shows how industry working together, alongside the Government, can release private investment, improve delivery, raise standards and promote the use of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for drivers across the country.

“Our commitment to decarbonising transport, backed by hundreds of millions in funding, has helped to unlock private sector investment, and the ambitious plans of ChargeUK’s members will support more people than ever make the transition to EVs.”

Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus EV, added: “Charging infrastructure is the key to the EV revolution, and it's great to see government and industry come together to supercharge the roll out. The Government has set the direction and investors are pumping in much needed capital. With over 23,000 public charging locations and rapid chargers almost doubling every year, UK drivers can enjoy the benefits of EVs: tech-on-wheels with low-cost fuel. The UK has a real chance to charge ahead in the race to zero emissions transport."

The 18 founding members of ChargeUK are: Be.EV; Believ; BP Pulse; Char.gy; ChargePoint; Connected Kerb; ESB; Equans; Evyve; Fastned; Gridserve; Ionity; Mer; Osprey; Pod Point; PoGo Charge; Shell Recharge; and Raw Charging.