National Highways has launched the second phase of market engagement for a planned £190m scheme to strengthen electricity infrastructure at selected motorway service areas (MSAs) and support the expansion of open-access electric vehicle charging across the motorway network.
The updated notice, developed with the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), puts the expected contract duration at 11 months. An initial notice published in August had estimated a value of £228m and a 12-month duration.
National Highways said the original estimate had been amended because “the original notice was amended to the correct figure of £190m”. It also stressed that the exercises were “pre-market engagement exercises and not a formal tender opportunity”.
Feedback sought on delivery options
The first phase of engagement focused on understanding supplier capability. The second phase is seeking views on potential delivery models, packaging, commercial arrangements, evaluation criteria and routes to market.
The planned works are intended to help create a charging network that can be used by electric vehicles regardless of manufacturer. Suppliers can submit feedback to National Highways until 30 October.
National Highways currently expects to publish the formal tender notice by 1 February 2027.