Experts have demanded the installation of more rapid fast electric car charging plugs at motorway service stations ahead of the big summer getaway. 

EV specialists at GRIDSERVE have called for “large numbers” of high-powered bays able to top-up vehicles in under 20 minutes. 

Rebecca Trebble, chief customer experience officer at GRIDSERVE, warned firms had to make sure they were installing the “most appropriate” type of charger for each location. 

She stressed that medium power banks should be reserved for supermarkets and should not find their way onto motorway car parks.

There could be chaos at charging stations if the right technology is not in place with many motorists forced to queue to top-up last year.

The RAC claimed politicians had wanted at least six rapid or ultra-rapid chargers at each service station by the end of 2023.

However, data from the motoring organisation found that only around four in 10 car parks met this criteria.

According to ZapMap, there are less than 5,000 of the 150kWh chargers in the whole of the UK compared to over 356,000 8kWh plugs which top-up cars much slower.

Rebecca added: “As an example there are only around 150 Motorway Service Areas, and these need large numbers of high power chargers, designed to deliver a -20 minute charge, that are in the process of being installed, whereas there are also potentially thousands of supermarket and retail park locations which may be better suited to smaller numbers of medium power chargers (designed for a – one hour charge).”

“The idea of specific targets based on single numbers needs to evolve so that we can best deliver to the needs of EV drivers at each location. 

“For example, our high power chargers are 50 times more powerful than a standard home charger, but you don’t need 350kW at home, as you are at home much longer than you would be at a motorway service area. 

“Having higher power chargers on the motorways and busy A roads, means people can charge faster and get to their destination quicker.”