Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, what steps her Department is taking to ensure that the rapid charging fund is used effectively.

A reliable, accessible and visible public charging network to support EV drivers on long journeys is essential.

The market has changed significantly since the previous government announced the Rapid Charging Fund in 2020, including increased private sector investment in infrastructure, a changed regulatory environment, and improvements in battery technology. There are now over 5,250 open-access, rapid and ultra-rapid chargepoints within 1 mile of the Strategic Road Network (England’s motorways and major A roads).

We will ensure taxpayers' money is used as efficiently as possible to make the transition to electric vehicles a success. The Rapid Charging Fund pilot was launched in 2023 to better understand where to target government support. We will apply learning from the pilot and continue working with industry to inform future policy to boost charging infrastructure on the Strategic Road Network.