No sign of the
rapid charging fund yet.
Indeed! I was curious about how this government fund was being used so I went onto the government web site to find out ... of course not a penny has actually been spent ... so I sent an email to enquire. Here it is and the reply I received back in October:
From: *****
Sent: 22 October 2022 15:35
To: RapidChargingFund <
[email protected]>
Subject: Rapid Charging Fund for Motorway and A Road services
I note that the information for this fund was published on gov.uk in September 2021. However, in the “How to Apply” section it continues to say "The fund is not yet open for applications. Further details will be available shortly.” Clearly we are beyond the “shortly” timescale now! Is there a planned date for the acceptance of applications to this fund?
Regards,
*****
Hi *****,
The Rapid Charging Fund (RCF) is a £950 million fund to future-proof electrical capacity at motorway and major A road service areas to prepare the network for a fully electric car and van fleet. As such, the RCF will specifically focus on upgrading the grid network infrastructure to motorway service areas and major A roads only and will not be funding the actual rapid chargers themselves. However, please feel free to direct to us any questions or information you have.
The timing and process for the delivery of this funding, including who can apply, is currently being planned and will be confirmed in due course. We will conduct a public consultation on proposals in Spring 2023.
Kind Regards,
Rapid Charging Team
Office for Zero Emission Vehicles
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