EV Charging – Past, Present and Future

Electric vehicle charging has evolved rapidly over the past decade, becoming a critical part of the UK's transition to a cleaner, more flexible energy system. In this Strategic Summit session, Andrew Mair, Head of Smart Mobility at ScottishPower, reflects on how public charging infrastructure has developed, the challenges that remain and what the next generation of EV charging will look like.

The discussion highlights the remarkable pace of progress since the UK's first public charging networks were introduced. Early deployment relied heavily on government funding, pioneering local authorities and enthusiastic early adopters who were willing to embrace new technology despite limited infrastructure and occasional reliability issues. Today, the market has matured significantly, with widespread private investment, stronger competition between charge point operators and a growing focus on delivering a seamless customer experience.

Consumer confidence is now at the centre of the conversation. While concerns about range anxiety and unreliable charging infrastructure have often dominated headlines, the session argues that the reality has changed considerably. Modern charging networks offer greater reliability, simpler payment methods, contactless access and improved service standards. As more operators compete for customers, delivering dependable infrastructure has become essential to commercial success.

Affordability also plays an important role in encouraging EV adoption. The session explores how charging costs vary depending on location, charging speed and time of use, with flexible tariffs, subscriptions and overnight charging helping to reduce costs for many drivers. Speakers acknowledge that public charging still faces challenges, including differences in VAT between domestic and public electricity, but argue that electric vehicles continue to offer lower running costs than conventional petrol and diesel vehicles in many situations.

Looking ahead, the discussion considers how charging technology will continue to evolve. Plug-and-charge functionality, where vehicles automatically authenticate and pay when connected to a charger, promises to remove much of the complexity currently associated with public charging. At the same time, greater market consolidation is expected as larger utilities, retailers and established charging operators continue to invest in expanding high-quality national charging networks.

The conversation also highlights the close relationship between EV charging and the wider electricity system. As vehicle numbers increase, charging infrastructure must be deployed alongside grid investment, battery storage and smart energy management. Rather than placing additional pressure on the electricity network, electric vehicles are increasingly seen as flexible energy assets that can support grid stability through smart charging, battery integration and demand flexibility.

Rural charging infrastructure receives particular attention. While urban areas have benefited from faster deployment, speakers recognise the need for continued investment in remote communities, supported by government funding and innovative business models. Ensuring equitable access to charging infrastructure will be essential if electric vehicle adoption is to accelerate across every part of the UK.

The session concludes that the technology required for widespread EV adoption already exists. The next phase of the transition depends on maintaining policy certainty, improving customer experience, strengthening collaboration between government and industry, and continuing to integrate electric vehicles into a smarter, more flexible energy system.

The session explores

• How the UK's EV charging network has evolved
• Improving reliability and customer confidence
• Charging costs, tariffs and consumer affordability
• Public charging infrastructure and market competition
• Plug-and-charge technology and the future user experience
• Grid integration, battery storage and smart charging
• Expanding charging infrastructure in rural communities
• Policy, investment and the future of electric mobility

Watch the full session to hear how the UK's EV charging network is evolving, what barriers remain for consumers and how smarter infrastructure will support both electric vehicle adoption and the wider clean energy transition.

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