Motorway Service Area operator Moto Hospitality plans to quadruple the number of EV charging bays at its sites in the coming years, it has announced.
Moto’s roadmap also includes 15 eHGV superhub sites with up to 100 bays, providing critical infrastructure that will unlock electric freight growth for the UK economy.
The move comes with more than £500 million investment across its nationwide estate, following the agreement of new 75+ year lease extensions with the Department for Transport and National Highways at 10 Moto sites.
The long-term extensions enable Moto to continue its wide-ranging programme of site redevelopments and EV infrastructure upgrades designed to meet changing travel demands and to provide support for the Government’s Net Zero ambitions for UK transportation.
Moto has already launched more than 1,000 ultra rapid charging bays in the past 5 years, and is also exploring new energy solutions, including on-site renewable generation and smart energy management systems.
It is also expanding HGV parking capacity, upgraded toilet and shower facilities, and increased security provisions, to improve both HGV driver wellbeing and operational efficiency across the freight network.
In addition, Moto has received planning consent for a new Motorway Service Area at Swindon and a Truck Stop at Wrotham in Kent.
Ken McMeikan, CEO of Moto Hospitality, said:
“Securing long term lease extensions at 10 of our key sites allows us to unlock our planned £500 million investment programme, another significant step forward for Moto, having already invested more than £300 million over the past 5 years. With long-term certainty in place, we are very excited about the continued transformation of our offer.
“This planned investment is fantastic news for our customers as we continue to upgrade existing facilities, provide even greater choice of food and drink brands, provide world-class EV charging infrastructure and open new Motorway Service Areas and Truck Stops.”
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather said:
“The EV revolution is well under way with 1 in 4 new cars sold now electric and more than 119,000 public chargers on UK roads.
“We know access to public charging is crucial in helping people make the switch. That’s why we’re investing £600 million and rolling out hundreds of thousands more chargers, including on motorways and A-roads, so drivers can travel with confidence, particularly on long journeys.
“We’re backing industry to rollout more chargers, and it’s great to see businesses like Moto powering up the UK’s electric revolution.”
Elliot Shaw, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at National Highways, said:
“We’re proud to have secured this long-term lease agreement with Moto, enabling us to further enhance these vital services that help drivers rest, recharge, and stay safe.
“This deal shows our continued commitment to managing public assets wisely and making sure they benefit everyone.
“It also paves the way for important upgrades, such as expanded electric vehicle charging and HGV driver facilities, supporting our vision for a cleaner, greener transport network.”
Image courtesy of Moto
