Staying positive: why I’m optimistic about the state of EV charging infrastructure

The state of EV charging infrastructure in the UK has been a hot topic lately, with headlines often painting a grim picture. But the reality, as I’ve come to see it, is much more nuanced and hopeful.

There’s no denying we’re in a transitional phase, both in terms of the cars we are driving and how we keep them moving. If you’re simply skimming the headlines, it might seem like the UK’s EV charging infrastructure is in disarray – too many players but not enough consistency/clarity, a slow pace of change that’s not meeting consumer demand etc.

But let me assure you, that's far from the full story. There’s a significant amount of effort going into improving the infrastructure. The groundwork being laid right now is not only setting the stage for a more robust network in the future, it’s delivering right now, and in next few years I believe we’ll see a surge in charging installations going live.

It’s important to remain realistic about the challenges we face. The most persistent issue continues to be grid connectivity. This isn’t a new problem, it’s something we’ve been grappling with for quite some time. The electrical connections required to support the growing number of high-powered chargers, like the 300kW units we’re seeing more of, demand significant grid capacity. As more of these chargers are deployed, the strain on the grid will only increase. The industry needs to find innovative solutions to address this challenge, and this will likely be an ongoing focus for the foreseeable future.

For instance, we need to become more adept at managing the load by leveraging technologies like dynamic load management to optimise available capacity. Additionally, we should explore innovative solutions such as utilising batteries to deliver the best value to our customers.

Planning and regulatory hurdles are another area where we’re encountering difficulties.

In some regions, local authorities are supportive and understand the need for EV infrastructure to meet the mobility needs of residents and visitors. But in other areas, the process is slower and more complicated, with planning approvals sometimes stalling progress. Educating and working with these planning bodies is an ongoing journey, and it’s one we must navigate carefully to avoid delays.

Consumer confidence is also becoming a growing concern, especially with the recent shifts in government policies. For instance, the delay in the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035, and the inclusion of EVs in congestion charges, are not helping to boost confidence.

These issues can create uncertainty among consumers, which in turn can slow the adoption of electric vehicles.

As one of the largest charging providers and energy suppliers across Europe we’ve taken note of these concerns from our customers and we’re working to address them by engaging more deeply in the public EV charging space, helping to ensure the infrastructure is in place and reliable.

This is crucial in building the trust that consumers need to fully commit to the switch to electric vehicles.

One of the advantages we have at E.ON is our presence across 11 different European countries. This broad reach allows us to share lessons learned and best practices across borders.

Although we’re relatively new to developing the public charging network in the UK, the experiences and insights from our operations in other countries are invaluable. There’s a lot to be said for ‘copying with pride’, taking what works well elsewhere and implementing it here, while avoiding the pitfalls we’ve encountered in other markets.

Looking ahead, we’re not just building the infrastructure for today—we’re designing for the future. The 400kW chargers we’re planning on deploying next year, might be ahead of their time for most current electric vehicles, but they’re essential for the next generation of EVs and the growing demand from e-trucks and heavy-duty vehicles. These vehicles require massive power, and deploying the necessary infrastructure involves unique challenges, from space requirements to ensuring rest protocols for drivers. Working closely with manufacturers like MAN trucks, we’re developing a pan-European e-charging network, electrifying depots across Europe. This collaboration signals our commitment to investing in the future, even if the market isn’t fully there yet.

As we look five to ten years down the line, my vision is one where the infrastructure we’re building today continues to inspire and support the next generation. This is about more than just meeting current demand—it’s about laying the foundation for a future where electric mobility is the norm, not the exception.

Along the way I hope we can inspire not just our industry peers, but also the younger generations who will one day lead this sector. The road ahead is challenging, but it’s also incredibly exciting, and I’m eager to see where it takes us.