How Strategic Is the Charging on the Strategic Road Network?

Why It Matters

Increasing charger competition on the M1 improves pricing and speed options for EV drivers, while highlighting the importance of utilisation and reliability for infrastructure investors.

Key Takeaways

• Apple Green added 16 × 400 kW chargers at Leicester Forest East.
• Gridserve’s 108 ultra‑rapid chargers see ~27k monthly sessions.
• Apple Green’s 130 ultra‑rapid units only get ~16k sessions monthly.
• M1 service areas now host 174 new ultra‑rapid chargers in 24 months.
• Pricing varies across stations: Gridserve ~£0.89/kWh, Apple Green ~£0.83/kWh.

Summary

The episode examines how electric‑vehicle charging is evolving on England’s Strategic Road Network, zeroing in on the M1 corridor. It contrasts the rapid expansion of ultra‑rapid chargers—particularly Apple Green’s 400 kW units at Leicester Forest East and other Welcome Break sites—with the established Gridserve network, which still dominates usage despite fewer units.

Data from ZAPMAP shows 174 additional ultra‑rapid chargers added to M1 service areas in the past two years, bringing total sites to 29. Gridserve operates 108 chargers that logged roughly 27,000 sessions per month, while Apple Green’s 130 units recorded just over 16,000 sessions. Utilisation per charger is higher for Gridserve, with top sites exceeding 300 sessions monthly, whereas Apple Green’s best chargers fall about 17% short.

Specific examples illustrate the competitive landscape: Leicester Forest East now hosts 16 × 400 kW Apple Green chargers after Gridserve’s medium‑power units were removed. Moto’s new 400 kW “Moto Charge” units sit alongside Gridserve’s 360 kW chargers at Toddington, priced at £0.89/kWh versus £0.83/kWh for Apple Green. Tesla’s public superchargers, Ionity’s 350 kW stations, and e‑Vault’s 150 kW units further diversify pricing and speed options across the M1.

The surge in ultra‑rapid capacity and the emergence of multiple operators signal a shift toward greater driver choice and competitive pricing, but utilisation gaps suggest brand familiarity and reliability still drive patronage. For policymakers and investors, the data underscores the need to balance charger density, power output, and user experience to sustain EV adoption on high‑traffic routes.

Original Description

This episode explores the current state and future of electric vehicle charging infrastructure along the UK strategic road network, focusing on the M1 corridor in particular.

Gary discusses charging patterns, infrastructure growth, and strategic considerations for EV drivers.

Key topics

- Growth of EV charging infrastructure on the M1 and strategic road network

- Charging patterns and peak times for EVs along the M1

- Current gaps and future opportunities for charging hubs outside motorway service areas

Resources

ZapMap - https://zapmap.com/

Fastned - https://fastned.co.uk/

Ionity - https://ionity.eu/

Shell Recharge - https://shellrecharge.com/

Episode produced by Arran Sheppard at Urban Podcasts: https://www.urbanpodcasts.co.uk

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