£10 million for cutting edge tech to help futureproof England’s EV chargepoint supply

New cutting-edge technology, backed by £10 million of government funding, will allow electric vehicle (EV) charging devices to operate without large grid connections or even off-grid.

Support will help overcome grid constraint challenges and enable more chargers to be rolled out on the strategic road network (England’s motorways and major A-roads), including in more rural areas across the country, giving drivers the confidence they need to make long distance journeys in EVs.

Private operators are invited to apply for a share of the funding which will be used to develop innovative energy sources and technologies enabling existing energy supplies to go further. 

Solutions could include combinations of renewable energy sources such as solar, alongside energy storage systems like batteries, to avoid the need for expensive grid upgrades at ‘harder-to-power’ locations.

The solution will be targeted at hard-to-treat, grid-constrained sites where high costs or long timescales would otherwise delay chargepoint provision. 

Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Keir Mather said: 

“We’re powering up the future of driving with £10 million for cutting-edge tech to get more chargepoints on motorways and major A-roads.

“With over 25,000 drivers already switching to electric thanks to our discounts of up to £3,750, we’re backing British innovation, boosting jobs and making EV travel easier than ever.”

To be considered for funding, projects must enable at least 12 EVs to access ultra-rapid charging, which can deliver around 120 to 145 miles of range in just 15 minutes for a typical EV – that’s enough power to drive from Birmingham to York.  

Companies have until 25 March 2026 to apply for funding via Innovate UK’s website.