The UK government has missed targets set for providing electric car chargers near motorways, latest analysis shows.
A plan outlined by the Department for Transport (DfT) set a goal of at least six rapid or ultra-rapid chargers for every motorway service area in England by the end of 2023.
According to RAC analysis of data from charger locator service Zapmap, only 46 of 119 sites (39 per cent) met the target.
The figure was 23 per cent at the end of April last year.
Four locations – Leicester Forest on either side of the M1, Tebay South on the M6 and Barton Park on the A1(M) – have no charging points.
Rapid charge points can add 160km of travel range to an electric vehicle (EV) in about 35 minutes.
They are seen as crucial to encouraging more motorists who make long journeys to switch from petrol or diesel to electric.
A DfT document from March 2022 stated “many operators” of motorway services had “embraced the ambition” to install six high-powered chargers by the end of 2023, with “over 70 per cent” of locations having a plan to deliver this.
“We will continue to work with site operators to ensure that every site is reached," it added.
Best selling electric cars in the UK in 2022 - in pictures
The document said a £950 million ($1.2 billion) rapid charging fund would support the installation of charge points across England’s motorways and major A roads.
The fund was set to be available for applications from spring 2023 but has yet to open.
A £70 million pilot scheme for up to 10 motorway service areas and a consultation on the wider fund were established in November.
“It’s clear from our research that the government has fallen well short of its target of having six high-powered chargers at every motorway service area in England," RAC spokesman Simon Williams said.
“There is undoubtedly an eagerness among charge point companies and motorway service operators to install these types of units but unfortunately it’s often the high-power cabling to the grid that’s the major barrier, which is out of their hands.
“More clearly needs to be done to make this process simpler than it is currently.
“Hopefully, once the government’s rapid charging fund kicks fully into action some of these hurdles will be overcome.
“We continue to believe that the wide availability of ultra-rapid charging is crucial in giving both current and future EV drivers confidence to know they can easily make journeys beyond the range of their vehicles in a time-efficient way.”
A DfT spokeswoman said: “The number of public charge points is surging across the country and around 96 per cent of motorway services now offer charging facilities for drivers.
“As well as our £70 million pilot to help roll out ultra-rapid charge points on motorways, we are driving forward the biggest reforms to our electricity grid since the 1950s – halving the time it takes to build networks and speeding up connections.”
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Company profile
Name: Infinite8
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Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
The specs
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Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
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Company%20Profile
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The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre twin-turbo flat-six
Power: 650hp at 6,750rpm
Torque: 800Nm from 2,500-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch auto
Fuel consumption: 11.12L/100km
Price: From Dh796,600
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