Electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure continues to gain traction as London-based Connected Kerb secures £65 million in funding to significantly expand its charging network. The funding, provided by the UK’s National Wealth Fund (NWF) and Aviva Investors, aims to address growing demand for accessible and sustainable charging solutions. With EV adoption increasing globally, Connected Kerb positions itself as a key player in the UK’s shift toward greener transportation options.
How will Connected Kerb use the funding?
Connected Kerb plans to grow its charging network to 40,000 sockets by the end of 2025, a significant leap from the 9,000 currently installed. The NWF contributed £55 million of the investment, with Aviva Investors supplying the remaining £10 million. The company specializes in on-street community charging, focusing on residential areas and public spaces where home charging is not feasible. This strategy aligns with the UK government’s goals for decarbonizing transport while supporting the development of smart cities.
What does this mean for EV adoption in the UK?
This expanded infrastructure is expected to provide a more inclusive charging experience for both individuals and businesses. By installing chargers at workplaces, retail locations, and residential developments, the initiative seeks to ensure widespread access. Future-ready technology integrated into the chargers, including IoT and 5G compatibility, also underscores a focus on sustainability and innovation. These efforts support the government’s push for green jobs and cleaner energy solutions to meet net-zero targets.
Compared to earlier projects by Connected Kerb, this new expansion represents a more aggressive scaling effort. In 2021, the company had a smaller EV network footprint and focused predominantly on localized partnerships with councils. This latest initiative not only broadens its geographical reach but also elevates its standing as a leader in public EV charging infrastructure. Just two years ago, Connected Kerb ranked sixth in the UK’s public charger network; it now sits in second place, according to NWF.
The funding aligns with broader trends in the EV market, where investments are flowing into both private and public sectors to meet growing demand. Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood highlighted the significance of this funding, stating,
“Our charge point network is going from strength to strength, and it’s brilliant to see Connected Kerb secure a £65m boost to expand its charging network – a great vote of confidence in the EV transition.”
Connected Kerb’s CEO, Chris Pateman-Jones, also emphasized the importance of accessible and scalable infrastructure, saying,
“This investment combines Connected Kerb’s proven hardware and advanced software infrastructure with the financial resources of NWF and Aviva to deploy public charging at scale, to all corners of the UK.”
As the UK aims for full electrification of vehicles by 2030, addressing barriers such as limited public charging infrastructure will be critical. Connected Kerb’s strategic expansion not only contributes to this transition but also helps build consumer confidence in EV ownership. The integration of UK-manufactured chargers further supports domestic job creation within the green economy.
While this funding signals progress, challenges remain, including the need for broader geographic coverage in rural areas and ensuring affordability. For individuals and businesses considering EV adoption, the development of accessible charging networks will be a pivotal factor moving forward. By focusing on inclusivity and technological innovation, Connected Kerb continues to play a role in shaping the landscape of sustainable mobility in the UK.
