How Is The UK Funding Tech To Improve Electric Vehicles?

UK government has announced that it will be investing £10 million into new tech that could let EV chargers run without being plugged into the power grid. This is so that charging is easier on roads in England, mainly in places that are harder to reach.

Figures from the Department for Transport show that the UK now has 86,021 public chargers. That’s 23% more than last year, a record increase. Rural areas have seen the biggest rise, with growth in Yorkshire, the North West, Scotland and Wales. The new fund is meant to build on this progress and give drivers confidence that they can travel long distances without worrying about running low on charge.

Private companies are being invited to apply for the money and test ideas that make charging more flexible. That might mean using solar power, battery systems or other renewable options to keep chargers running even in areas where grid connections are expensive or take years to set up. It could open the door to fast charging stations on remote roads, farms or tourist spots that are currently out of reach.

Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, 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.”

What Does It Take To Qualify For The Funding?

Companies can apply through Innovate UK’s website until 25 March 2026. To qualify, each project must be able to charge at least 12 electric vehicles using ultra-rapid points. These chargers can add 120 to 145 miles of range in about 15 minutes which is enough to get from Birmingham to York after a quick coffee break.

The government said this target is meant to make sure the money goes toward projects that have a real, practical benefit for drivers. Ultra-rapid chargers are especially useful on long trips, where people need a short stop rather than a long wait.

Innovate UK said it wants to see creative solutions that combine green power with reliable performance. The government hopes this will help companies develop technology that keeps chargers running smoothly and makes electricity cheaper in the long run.

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.”

How Does This Tie Into Other EV Support?

This £10 million programme adds to different measures already in place to make electric driving easier. Earlier in the year, the government launched a £650 million Electric Car Grant to help more people buy EVs. So far, more than 25,000 drivers have used it to get discounts of up to £3,750 on 39 different electric car models. Figures show EV sales went up 29% in September following the launch.

Matther said, “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.”

Another change could make it easier for renters and people without driveways to install home chargers. The government plans to consult on cutting planning fees, which could save drivers £250. If approved, the change would help more households charge their cars for around 2p per mile which is roughly £2.50 for a trip from London to Birmingham.

Officials said these schemes are all designed to make electric driving more practical. Together, they support a mix of public and home charging options so that people can charge wherever it suits them.