Benefits of EV charging
EV charging brings new opportunities and benefits for service area operators on the SRN. More drivers are switching to EVs, and they need more places to charge when making long journeys. Demand for reliable charging at service areas on the SRN, on motorways and A-roads, will continue to grow along with the business opportunities for existing and new entrants to the market.
Why EV charging matters for your business
Potential increased revenue streams
EV charging as a new paid service and may boost retail sales during charging stops.
Decarbonisation and sustainability
Supports UK decarbonisation and climate goals and brand reputation as being forward-thinking and sustainable.
Attract and retain customers
A reliable and accessible EV charging network helps retain existing users and attract new ones by giving drivers confidence that feel will be able to charge when they arrive.
Futureproof your business
Positions the business as ready for the growing EV market and may mitigate the potential loss of revenue due to declining internal combustion engine vehicles.
Access to incentives
Access to potential partnerships and grants to improve thye business case for investment.
Why charging reliability matters to your customers
As EVs can now travel further on a single charge, anxiety is shifting from vehicle range to charging availability. A 2025 Ipsos UK research project, conducted on behalf of the Department for Transport, reported survey results including: “For BEV (battery electric vehicle) drivers, the top factors to ensure confidence on long trips were charger availability (64%), vehicle range (62%) and route planning (54%)”.
EV drivers want to know they can charge quickly and reliably on long journeys when they need to. The graphic below sets out some of the issues – and options that could be considered to address charge anxiety.
Charge anxiety
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Issues
Limited public charging infrastructure
Too few charge points at busy locations, causing queues during peak travel times.
Options to consider
Expanding charging networks
Strategic roll-out of rapid and ultra-rapid charge points to meet demand.
Charger reliability issues
Customers arriving to find broken or offline chargers, including units shown as available on apps.
Improving charger reliability
Faster repairs and regular maintenance so customers rarely encounter faulty charges.
Inconsistent user experience
Different connectors, apps and membership requirements across networks create confusing and frustrating payment systems.
Standard connectors
Stronger on-site charging standards to enable faster charging.
Charging speed uncertainty
Rapid and ultra-rapid charge points (50 kW+) often deliver lower, unpredictable speeds due to grid constraints or power sharing.
Increased capacity
Boost site correction capacity through grid upgrades or technologies like energy storage systems (ESS).
