Moto plans for ultra-rapid chargers at every UK motorway service area

Moto, the UK’s leader in motorway service areas (MSAs), will launch the UK’s flagship electric vehicle (EV) site with the opening of its new Rugby Services located at Junction 1 of the M6, on 30 April 2021 following a £40 million investment programme.

Moto’s new MSA will feature 24 ultra-rapid EV charging points, 12 Tesla & 12 Electric Highway, making it the largest ultra-rapid charging site on the motorway, ahead of the Government ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030.

The Rugby site represents a landmark moment for EV across the UK motorway networks and is a major milestone in Moto’s commitment to encouraging more sustainable motoring.

The ultra-rapid 350kW direct current (DC) chargers will have the capability to add up to 100 miles of range in less than five minutes and will accept contactless payment.

28 Moto sites are set to have ultra-rapid chargers by the end of this year. The aim is to have all Moto services with at least six ultra-rapid chargers by the end of 2022, as part of a long-term, +£100 million investment programme, including an upgrade to all existing 50kW chargers by the end of July 2021 for greater charging power ahead of increased ‘staycation’ traffic.

Following the blueprint of the new Rugby site, Moto is planning a further 24 ultra-rapid charger locations at Reading, Thurrock, and Exeter by the end of 2021.

Moto predicts that by 2030 as many as 3 in 10 drivers could be pulling into motorway service areas in an electric vehicle.

Ken McMeikan, Chief Executive of Moto, added: “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.”

Dale Vince, Founder of the Electric Highway, commented: “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.”