In an exclusive comment piece for Transport + Energy, CEO of GRIDSERVE, Daniel Kunkel, explains how the company is powering up the UK’s public charging infrastructure.
The UK’s electric vehicle transformation has reached an extraordinary milestone. From fewer than 1,000 public charging points a decade ago to over 80,000 today, our industry has built the foundation for sustainable transport at unprecedented speed. Vehicle technology has matured and consumer awareness has never been higher.
We stand at what history will recognise as the acceleration moment – the point where thoughtful infrastructure evolution can transform steady adoption into exponential growth.
The charging infrastructure industry deserves celebration for its achievements. Early pioneers demonstrated that public charging was viable, established essential technical standards and proved business models that attracted billions in investment. Government policy provided crucial support, whilst automotive manufacturers committed to electric-only futures that validated infrastructure expansion.
This collaborative effort has created remarkable momentum. Electric vehicle sales now represent over 25% of new car registrations, charging point availability has grown faster than vehicle adoption and consumer familiarity with electric mobility has reached a tipping point.
The foundation is strong, proven and ready for the next phase of evolution.
From function to experience
The natural next step in this success story is the evolution from functional charging to experiential destinations. Just as mobile networks evolved from basic connectivity to high-speed experiences that enabled new applications, charging infrastructure is ready to transcend its utility origins and become an active accelerator of electric vehicle adoption.
Strategically and conveniently placed, premium infrastructure represents this evolution beautifully. When charging becomes an enhanced travel experience rather than a necessary pause, something transformative happens to consumer perception.
Electric vehicle ownership shifts from considered choice to preferred choice, creating advocacy that accelerates adoption far beyond what traditional marketing can achieve.
Our Electric Forecourts ® exemplify this evolution in practice. These destinations combine High Power charging with premium facilities, comfortable environments and additional amenities that transform necessary stops into valuable time.
The result isn’t just customer satisfaction. It’s an active demonstration that electric mobility enhances rather than compromises the travel experience.
Networks that enable confidence
The UK’s major transport corridors carry the bulk of long-distance traffic. Business meetings, family occasions and holiday travel all depend on reliable infrastructure that enables rather than constrains journey planning.
Strategic network development that prioritises these corridors with convenient, premium infrastructure creates exponential confidence effects. When drivers experience reliable, High Power charging with exceptional facilities on the journeys that matter most to their lives, electric vehicle ownership transforms from practical experiment to confident choice.
This is what GRIDSERVE is committed to with the Electric Highway and one of the reasons that we are the most used public charging network in the UK.
Each seamless charging experience reinforces positive perceptions created by improving vehicle technology, falling costs and growing awareness. The compound effect accelerates adoption in ways that benefit every industry participant.
Creating industry-wide value
Strategically and conveniently placed, premium infrastructure creates value that extends far beyond individual charging operators. Exceptional charging experiences increase customer satisfaction with electric vehicles overall, benefiting automotive manufacturers through reduced complaints and increased repeat purchases.
They demonstrate infrastructure reliability that supports fleet electrification decisions, creating demand that justifies continued network investment.
The ripple effects reach communities as well. Premium charging destinations attract visitors, support local economies and demonstrate commitment to sustainable transport that enhances area reputation. They become showcases for electric mobility that convert sceptics into advocates through direct experience rather than abstract argument.
Building tomorrow together
The UK’s electric vehicle future is being built today through collaborative effort across government, industry and customers.
The foundation laid over the past decade enables the next phase of evolution. Infrastructure that doesn’t just enable electric mobility but actively accelerates its adoption.
CEO of GRIDSERVE, Daniel Kunkel
