The Department for Transport is seeking views on proposals to address high electricity network upgrade costs at motorway service areas (MSAs) in England.

MSAs offer charging on major routes, particularly for long-distance travel. However, limited access to affordable electricity network capacity remains a significant barrier to charger rollout in England, and by extension, the uptake of EVs and achieving ZEV Mandate.

Among car drivers, concerns about the ability to charge on long journeys continue to be a key barrier to the uptake of EVs with 72 per cent of participants in the DfT technology tracker naming it as a barrier.

The strategic charging infrastructure (SCI) scheme could strengthen electricity network infrastructure to selected MSAs where investment is not commercially viable, enabling the deployment of ultra-rapid chargers. The scheme would support the development of a strong open-access EV charging offer across the motorway network by removing electricity upgrade costs. The resulting network capacity will then be available to industry at a subsidised, commercially viable price.

The consultation is seeking industry views on site selection and terms for accessing the resulting network capacity. Feedback and evidence from this consultation will inform the design of the scheme. The consultation closes on 28 July 2026.

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