Moto plans for ultra-rapid EV chargers at every UK site

Motorway service station operator Moto has confirmed plans to install ultra-rapid electric vehicle (EV) chargers at all its UK sites.

Kick-starting the initiative is an installation of 24 350kW chargers at the newly-opened Rugby Services.

The site comprises 12 Tesla and 12 Electric Highway chargers, making it the largest ultra-rapid charging site on the motorway

A further 24 units will each be installed at Reading, Thurrock and Exeter by the end of the year.

By 2022, Moto says it will have at least 6 ultra-rapid chargers at every UK site.

Ken McMeikan, chief executive of Moto, said: “Moto is committed to sustainable motoring and we want to play a key part in encouraging more people to have the confidence to switch into electric vehicles. Rugby Services is the most significant first step in achieving this and we’re proud to be launching the UK’s largest EV charging site.

“Our vision is to transform the UK’s rest stop experience and we think motorists will be delighted with the new Moto site at Rugby, particularly as they begin travelling again following easing of COVID-19 restrictions to see family, friends and loved ones.”

Rugby Services, located at Junction 1 of the M6, offers motorway and non-motorway users easy access to outlets including Marks & Spencer, Greggs, Costa Coffee, KFC, Pret a Manger, Burger King, WHSmith and BP. Originally due to open in July 2020, but delayed due to COVID-19, the new MSA opens on April 30.

Dale Vince, founder of the Electric Highway, added:“Moto is a founding partner of the Electric Highway and this is our first ultra-rapid installation, which comes at a tipping point in the adoption of electric vehicles. The installation comes at the beginning of a new partnership with GRIDSERVE, which kickstarts a comprehensive programme where these installations will become ubiquitous across all Moto services, helping to make the experience of using an electric car no different to using a fossil-powered one.”