The UK government’s move to roll out clearer signage for electric vehicle charging hubs is a major opportunity for UK retailers, it has said.
The government on Sunday announced a £63m investment package to “supercharge Britain’s electric vehicle infrastructure”, which includes a new grant scheme to help businesses install charging points at depots.
As part of the move, it also announced “immediate changes”, which will allow larger EV charging hubs to be signposted from major A-roads for the first time.
“Our commitment to improve signage for larger EV hubs on major A-roads offers new opportunities for retailers to showcase their great offer to EV drivers,” said Lilian Greenwood, minister for the future of roads, “helping deliver a better experience and growth for businesses as part of our Plan for Change.”
The UK’s public charging network has expanded rapidly in recent years, having more than doubled in number since the beginning of 2023, with 82,000 public chargepoints now operational. A further 100,000 are expected to be installed as a result of the government’s Local EV Infrastructure Fund and £6bn of private investment committed to 2030.
Charging points have become a common feature of supermarket car parks. Analysis last year by ZapMap and the RAC found that more than one in 10 supermarkets now offers EV charging.
Tesco currently operates the largest network through its partnership with Podpoint, while Sainsbury’s last year launched its own ultra-rapid electric vehicle charging business Smart Charge, with charging points at more than 100 stores.
Research commissioned by ultra-rapid EV charging network InstaVolt through Censuswide earlier this year found that “consumer behaviour at charging locations translates into tangible commercial value for retailers”.
EV drivers typically spend 25 to 35 minutes on-site while charging, 72% saying they stop for a hot drink while charging, the research found.
The government’s move to increase the amount of signage to the hubs was “not just as an infrastructure milestone, but also as a significant retail catalyst” said Simon Smith, chief commercial officer at InstaVolt.
“This work will help give drivers the confidence to know where they can charge and grab a coffee or do their weekly shop, fitting easily within their daily lives,” he said.
The UK was the largest EV market in Europe in 2024 and the third in the world with more than 382,000 EVs sold – up a fifth on the previous year.
“With the right visibility and retail partnerships, public charging can deliver not just convenience for drivers, but meaningful footfall and revenue for site hosts,” Smith added. “Retailers should see such an initiative as a strategic opportunity to engage with the fast-growing EV customer base. However, we can only make this happen with the support of government.”
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