£10m funding for off-grid EV charging technology

DfT competition seeks solutions for ‘hard-to-power’ stretches of major road network

Companies are being encouraged to develop technology that will allow electric vehicle (EV) charging devices to operate without large grid connections or even off-grid.

The UK government has announced £10m of funding support to help overcome grid constraint challenges and enable more chargers to be rolled out on the strategic road network – England’s motorways and major A-roads –  including in more rural areas across the country. 

The aim is to give drivers the confidence they need to make long distance journeys in EVs.

Private operators are invited to apply to Innovate UK for a share of the funding, which will be used to develop innovative energy sources and technologies enabling existing energy supplies to go further. 

Solutions could include combinations of renewable energy sources such as solar, alongside energy storage systems like batteries, to avoid the need for expensive grid upgrades at ‘harder-to-power’ locations.

The solution will be targeted at hard-to-treat, grid-constrained sites where high costs or long timescales would otherwise delay chargepoint provision. 

Keir Mather, minister for aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister, said: “We’re powering up the future of driving with £10m for cutting-edge tech to get more chargepoints on motorways and major A-roads. With over 25,000 drivers already switching to electric thanks to our discounts of up to £3,750, we’re backing British innovation, boosting jobs and making EV travel easier than ever.

“To be considered for funding, projects must enable at least 12 EVs to access ultra-rapid charging, which can deliver around 120 to 145 miles of range in just 15 minutes for a typical EV – that’s enough power to drive from Birmingham to York.”

Claire Spooner, director of mobility, Innovate UK, said: “Launching this competition, Innovate UK will test new approaches to the EV charging power challenges on England’s strategic road network, especially in rural areas. The programme’s outcomes will build capability and bring together energy and transport stakeholders to improve EV charging for longer journeys.”

Companies have until 25 March 2026 to apply for funding via Innovate UK’s website