As electric vehicles become an increasingly popular option for drivers across the UK, the nation’s motorway infrastructure is struggling to keep pace with the surge in demand for reliable charging access.
There are stark disparities in EV charging availability across our motorways, according to a new study, which highlights the routes where drivers are most likely to experience “range anxiety.”
Thirty-five stretches of motorway were inspected by charging port developer Simpson Partners, examining two factors: the number of EV charging stations per junction and the density of junctions per mile.
“The statistics…show that EV drivers face vastly different charging experiences depending on which UK motorway they travel,” David Simpson contended.
The M60 around Manchester offers the best charging infrastructure for electric cars, according to the study, offering 4.57 stations per junction, earning a score of 84/100 in the analysis.
Topping the list of concern is the M180 in Lincolnshire, which has been named the worst motorway for electric vehicle drivers due to its alarmingly low number of charging stations per junction.
Just 0.22 charging stations are available to EVs per junction, scoring 10.91 out of 100 in Simpson Partners’ matrix and raising urgent questions about how ready Britain’s road network is for a fully electric future.
The 25-mile stretch connecting Scunthorpe to the M18 has only two EV charging stations accessible within one mile of its nine junctions.
Elsewhere around the UK, the M40 and M18 rank as the second and third worst motorways for electric drivers with scores of 22.74 and 29.66 on the EV anxiety index, respectively.
“The M180 has just two charging stations across nine junctions, creating significant anxiety for electric vehicle owners,” David added.
“The limited charging infrastructure on some of Britain’s major motorways risks becoming a barrier to wider EV adoption. With electric vehicles representing a growing share of new car sales, improving charging accessibility on these key routes must be a priority.
“However, it’s important to note that the average range of an EV is around 200 miles in ideal conditions, meaning that for many, charging before and after a motorway journey is enough.
“Modern EV charging stations can add significant range in just 20-30 minutes, but they’re only helpful if drivers can reach them. Most motorways were designed long before electric vehicles existed, although charging stations are now beginning to be added to service stations at most junctions to increase availability.”
Rounding off the top five least EV-friendly motorways, in fourth place, the M56 managed a score of 34.18 on the index with an average of one charging station per junction but relatively few junctions per mile, limiting charging options for EV drivers.
Meanwhile, the M48 in South Wales and South West England scores fifth lowest despite only being 12 miles long. This stretch of road scored 34.89 in the study, with just 0.63 charging stations per junction.
