Investment is underway on new grid connections to switch on new electric vehicle charging stations at Moto Medway in Gillingham.

The investment will support new high-power electric vehicle charge points at Moto Medway

UK Power Networks, the local electricity network operator, is upgrading power capacity for new EV charging infrastructure, including ultra-rapid chargers from Gridserve, at the motorway services near J4 of the M2 in Rainham, Kent.

In total, some 48 new ultra-rapid charge-points (24 westbound and 24 eastbound) are being planned to support EV drivers.

The project – which is already half completed – will 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.

Ken McMeikan, chief executive at Moto Hospitality, said the investment was an important step in allowing Moto to deliver “game-changing new high-power chargers to EV motorists in the South East”.

He added: “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.”

The investment in Kent is part of UK Power Networks’ £66m Green Recovery Fund, launched last year to supercharge green energy infrastructure projects.

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.”