UK Power Networks is upgrading power capacity for new electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure.

Investment is underway on new grid connections to switch on Gridserve’s new EV charging stations at Moto Medway in Gillingham, as part of its £66 million Green Recovery Fund.

The company is halfway through a project to install 4km of new electrical cabling from a nearby substation to EV charging points located in the car parks of the Moto Medway east and westbound motorway services.

The work will enable the connection of a planned 48 new high-power charge-points (24 westbound and 24 eastbound) to support the growth in EVs, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.

The ‘green recovery’ investment is delivering low carbon energy projects that will help achieve the Government’s 10 Point Plan towards Net Zero by 2050. 

A total of 86 schemes are being fast-tracked by the electricity company across a range of sites including EV charging hubs at motorway service stations, fleets of electric buses, community energy schemes and heat pumps. 

Adam Lakey, leading the projects for UK Power Networks, said: “These projects are about providing the infrastructure that gives businesses and the public the confidence to decarbonise their activities and we hope it will encourage more to make the switch to EVs.

“As we all strive to meet the Government’s targets for a net zero economy, it is vital that we all reduce our emissions and push towards a cleaner environment.”

Ken McMeikan, chief executive at Moto Hospitality, added: “UK Power Networks’ investment in new grid infrastructure for Moto Medway is an important step in allowing Moto to deliver game changing new high-power chargers to EV motorists in the south-east.

“At Moto we’re committed to making the switch to EVs easier and more attractive for all UK motorists through capacity, reliability, simplicity and charging speed.

“This partnership will help Moto in that mission and help us to deliver well above and beyond the Government target of a minimum six rapid chargers at each motorway service site by 2023.”

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