A new EV charging trade association has launched to supercharge the UK’s infrastructure rollout.

ChargeUK brings together 18 of the largest charge point installer, which will invest over £6bn on UK charging by 2030

ChargeUK brings together 18 of the largest charge point installers, which will invest more than £6bn (€6.8bn) installing and operating new EV charging infrastructure by 2030.

The work will see tens of thousands of new chargers go live this year, with the aim of doubling the size of the network through 2023.

ChargeUK will also work collaboratively with government and other stakeholders to help drive charge point investment and delivery, including to shaping policies and regulation.

The work will have a vital role in climate goals, helping the UK transition to Net Zero.

Ian Johnston, chair of ChargeUK and CEO of Osprey Charging Network, said: “The formation of ChargeUK is an exciting day and is a demonstration of the electric vehicle charging industry’s growing size and importance to the UK economy.

“Together we are investing billions of pounds to get more charge points in the ground right across the country. These numbers reinforce our commitment to the UK’s net zero future.

“We will continue to be a proactive partner to government as we deliver a world-class charging infrastructure, giving the nation’s drivers confidence to transition to electric vehicles.”

Transport decarbonisation and technology minister Jesse Norman said: “The launch of ChargeUK shows how industry working together, alongside the Government, can release private investment, improve delivery, raise standards and promote the use of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for drivers across the country.

“Our commitment to decarbonising transport, backed by hundreds of millions in funding, has helped to unlock private sector investment, and the ambitious plans of ChargeUK’s members will support more people than ever make the transition to EVs.”

Alongside Osprey, other founding members include BP Pulse, ChargePoint, Connected Kerb, Equans, Gridserve, Ionity, Mer and Shell Recharge – spanning everything from on-road to destination charging.

The announcement was applauded by Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus EV, who said: “Charging infrastructure is the key to the EV revolution, and it’s great to see government and industry come together to supercharge the rollout. The Government has set the direction and investors are pumping in much-needed capital. With over 23,000 public charging locations and rapid chargers almost doubling every year, UK drivers can enjoy the benefits of EVs: tech-on-wheels with low-cost fuel. The UK has a real chance to charge ahead in the race to zero emissions transport.”

Europcar Mobility Group UK also said a single industry voice was key to driving the changes required to rapidly enhance UK infrastructure.

Mark Newberry, sustainability spokesperson, commented: “The collaborative approach being adopted by the sector is just what we need to support the Government’s ambitious targets for decarbonisation. The industry has made good progress and has the ambition to do much much more. It’s now key that this collaboration helps unlock the UK’s EV potential.”