The familiar landscape of petrol stations across Britain is set for a dramatic transformation as the UK moves towards its goal of phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030. But what exactly does the law require of fuel retailers when it comes to electric vehicle charging, and how will this reshape our traditional forecourts?
Current Infrastructure Overview
While the UK has around 8,000 petrol stations with approximately 66,000 fuel pumps serving almost 40 million petrol and diesel vehicles, at the end of 2024, there were about 75,000 public EV charge points serving around 1.4 million plug-in vehicles (according to the UK Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy 2022). This ratio is set to change dramatically in the coming years.
Legal Framework for Fuel Retailers
The Automated and Electric Vehicles Act 2018 gives the Secretary of State the power to require large fuel retailers and service area operators to provide public charging points. Think of it as similar to how petrol stations are currently required to provide certain safety equipment and facilities—but for the electric era.
What Constitutes a “Large Fuel Retailer”?
Interestingly, the exact definition of a “large fuel retailer” has been left to future regulations. It’s like having a framework for a house but waiting to fill in the exact specifications. The government is expected to consult on these definitions and specific requirements, which will likely consider factors such as annual fuel sales, number of sites, or total revenue.
Mandatory Installation Requirements
The government plans to mandate minimum numbers of charge points at specific sites, with requirements increasing over time. This is similar to how building regulations have evolved to require more energy-efficient features over the years. The legislation allows for:
- Setting minimum numbers of charge points at each location
- Specifying the type and speed of chargers required
- Determining when charge points must be available for use
Local Authority Involvement
An interesting aspect of the legislation is how it empowers local mayors to request EV charging requirements for their areas. For example, if the Mayor of London identifies a need for more charging points at fuel stations in certain boroughs, they can request the Secretary of State to consider making specific regulations for their area.
The Future Forecourt
Based on current government strategies, by 2030, a typical large fuel station might look very different from today. Instead of just rows of petrol pumps, you might see:
- Multiple rapid charging points (capable of charging cars in 20-30 minutes)
- Enhanced retail facilities to serve customers while they wait
- Smart charging systems that integrate with the national grid
- A mix of traditional fuel pumps and EV chargers during the transition period
Support and Funding
The government has recognised that this transition requires significant investment. The £950 million Rapid Charging Fund is available to help fuel retailers upgrade their electrical infrastructure to support high-powered chargepoints, particularly along motorways and major A-roads.
Understanding these requirements is crucial for fuel retailers planning their future business strategies. Just as petrol stations evolved from simple pumps to comprehensive service stations, they’re now set to transform again into energy hubs for the electric age. This transition represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the UK’s fuel retail sector.
Darren has owned several companies in the automotive, advertising and education industries. He has run driving theory educational websites since 2010.