ChargeUK, the trade association for the UK’s EV charging sector, has appointed its first non-executive chair.

Iain Coucher has assumed the role with immediate effect, taking over from Chris Pateman-Jones, CEO of Connected Kerb.

Coucher is currently the chair of the Water Services Regulation Authority (Ofwat). He started his career as an engineer and his CV includes stints as chief executive of Network Rail as well as serving as a non-executive director of the UK’s largest gas distribution network. He has a passion for environmental issues, especially climate change. He has been a trustee of Earthwatch and of the British Trust for Ornithology.

The appointment marks another step in the growth of ChargeUK and the EV charging sector.

The trade body was established with 18 members in 2023 and now has over 40 members. Over that same time, the public network has grown rapidly and now stands at over 85,000 public charge points.

Add in more than a million home/workplace chargers and the network is capable of powering every EV in the country to drive from Aberdeen to London every day, according to official stats.

Coucher said the EV charging sector is a UK success story and that the country stands at the forefront of the transition to electric transport.

“However, I’m keenly aware that there is still much work to be done to ensure that ChargeUK members can go further and faster and that the UK reaps all the benefits they can bring in terms of investment, the transition to clean energy and net zero transport and in supporting the automotive sector through the switch to EVs,” he added.

“This is an exciting industry and a vital part of UK infrastructure and future economic growth. I’m honoured and proud to take this new role driving its future.”

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said: “I’m looking forward to working with Iain as we look to create the conditions the sector needs to continue this growth and make charging as convenient and affordable as possible.”