Charging ahead: Rapid charging networks will power the EV transformation
Ambitious government targets and substantial private investment are positioning the UK to become a leader in the global electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Osprey Charging’s high-power charging network is facilitating this transition, according to its chief executive, Ian Johnston.
In 2024, the UK overtook Germany to become Europe’s top EV market[1] – almost 20% of all new car sales were EVs, which now account for 4% of all vehicles on the road. A major obstacle to faster adoption of EVs is concern around charging point availability and accessibility.
Although around 65% of the UK’s population can potentially charge at home, there is a worry that there will be insufficient public charging infrastructure for longer journeys, or on-street charging for those without off-street parking. At home or on-street charging (3-7kW AC) takes approximately 8 hours for a full charge. Public fast chargers (22 kW) require around 4-6hrs or more for bigger battery long-range cars, while high-power rapid and ultra-rapid chargers provide an 80% charge in around 30 minutes.
While the UK government continues to invest in some on-street charging via Local Authority funding, most public charging stations will be privately funded by nationwide rapid charging networks. Rapid charging networks have already deployed £1.5bn to date through installation and maintenance of public and commercial vehicle charging infrastructure. Together with charge point installation and maintenance services these networks currently employ 4,000 people, which is expected to grow to over 10,000 by 2030.
However, “successfully expanding the network also requires improving the quality and reliability of the consumer experience”, according to Ian Johnston, chief executive at Osprey Charging, which is building one of the UK’s largest reliable, easy-to-use rapid charging networks.
“The move to sustainable transport requires consumers to have confidence that there is reliable charging available where and when they want it, which is why our strategy is to build a UK-wide network of large, easy-to-use, rapid charging hubs in strategic locations”.
“To do this we build and operate a network on leasehold land with retail landlord partners and on our own freehold land, expanding hubs if we see strong demand from drivers. Using our own land allows us to design the entire site and potentially lease out premises for a cafe, for example. All of this enhances the customer experience”.
The move to sustainable transport requires consumers to have confidence that there is reliable charging available where and when they want it, which is why our strategy is to build a UK-wide network of large, easy-to-use, rapid charging hubs in strategic locations.
“When we started building our first charging sites, we future proofed the smaller sites, so we would have the capability to add more and faster chargers later. This allowed us to develop sites over time to respond to demand, and ensure it was as strong as we anticipated. By securing high-voltage grid connections we now install multiple ultra-rapid charge points which better meet the needs of today’s long-range cars. Because of charge times, users dwell at a charging point and with Osprey can go to an on-site retail location or coffee shop, for example”.
To manage the expanding network and customer accounts, Osprey developed a proprietary software platform, Osprey Iris. The data it gives is used to monitor the charge points and improve the customer journey while also providing insight to inform future strategy. Iris also gives total control to maintain user experiences over time, as the software can be easily updated in-house to improve the experience for drivers and owners.
The UK EV charging sector is forecast to reach a valuation of £3.9 billion by 2030 according to the International Energy Agency as the take-up of EVs accelerates, and Ian thinks this makes a reliable charging network critical for the transition to a sustainable transport system.
* Investec has been an investor in Osprey Charging Network since 2018, supporting it in its commitment to creating a healthier environment for future generations.
Footnotes and sources:
Roland Berger, https://www.rolandberger.com/en/Insights/Publications/The-present-and-future-economic-case-for-eMobility-in-the-UK.html
Zapmap for latest charge point numbers: https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points
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