SP Energy Networks has announced a multi-million investment to upgrade electricity network, that will see new charging points installed across North West motorway services

Residents and visitors to the North West will soon be set for easier, cleaner journeys, with our multi-million investment into the local electricity network nearing completion.

The project, which got underway last spring, will create new electricity capacity to support the rollout of rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging at some of the region's busiest motorway services: Burtonwood, Hapsford, Knutsford, Lymm, and Sandbach.

The increased capacity will help improve access to EV charging, making electric and hybrid vehicle journeys quicker and easier and encouraging more people to make the change to electric vehicles. This is an important step in meeting Net Zero North West's goal to be the UK's first net zero region by 2040.

SP Energy Networks Manweb Director, Liam O'Sullivan said: "Electric vehicle rollout relies on infrastructure to make sure people can access charging facilities with ease and our work will significantly accelerate this. It's great to be a part of achieving the North West's – and the UK's – goal of a low carbon future for travel.

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"Our investment will enable hundreds of rapid EV chargers to be installed across the five motorway service areas, with the capacity to support ultra-rapid charging as the technology continues to develop in the future. This will be a real gamechanger for the region and make a huge difference for the EV drivers of today – and tomorrow.  

"We're working closely with motorway service providers and local authorities to make sure these projects really do put the region at the heart of the UK's transition to net zero." 

Decarbonisation and Technology Minister Jesse Norman said: "The UK has one of the largest electric vehicle charging networks in Europe, but it is important that we press on towards our goal of ensuring that everyone can go electric.

"Many UK cities have extensive numbers of chargepoints. But it is critical that people living outside these areas have access to EV charging.

"Investments like this are integral to delivering a network that is resilient and ready for the future, wherever you are in the UK."

The upgrade to the local electricity network is being delivered as part of SP Energy Network's Green Recovery Investment Project – a £61.7m investment in new low-carbon connections to accelerate the UK's transition to net zero and support a green recovery from Covid-19.

The work involves installing new electricity substations and connecting them to the existing network by installing underground cables. Activity has been delivered in a series of stages at the different locations, with projects set to conclude this spring.