Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in both the United States and the United Kingdom are witnessing a significant leap forward in charging infrastructure, as new partnerships, government incentives, and private investments reshape the landscape of public charging. In Maryland, Electrify America has joined forces with Royal Farms to introduce "Hyper-Fast" charging stations at eight of the convenience store chain’s locations, while across the Atlantic, the UK has seen a surge in both slow and ultra-rapid chargers, bringing the total number of public charge points to over 84,000 as of August 2025.
On August 15, 2025, Electrify America announced its partnership with Royal Farms to install 350 kW EV charging stations at eight Maryland locations. The first of these high-powered stations are already operational in Halethorpe and Oxon Hill, with additional sites planned in Annapolis, Catonsville, Charlotte Hall, Columbia, Pikesville, and Towson. Once the rollout is complete, drivers will have access to more than 55 Electrify America charging ports across these Royal Farms sites, according to Electrek.
These chargers are not just fast—they’re among the fastest available to the public. Capable of delivering hundreds of miles of range in as little as 20 minutes for vehicles that support high-power charging, they’re designed to eliminate the inconvenience that many drivers still associate with EV ownership. As Anthony Lambkin, Electrify America’s vice president of operations, put it: “By combining speed and convenience, we’re helping make the EV experience more effortless, whether you’re on a daily commute or taking a longer road trip.”
The integration of charging stations at Royal Farms locations also highlights a growing trend: pairing EV infrastructure with everyday conveniences. While waiting for their cars to charge, customers can grab a coffee, fried chicken, or snacks inside the stores, turning what was once downtime into a chance to refuel themselves as well. Thomas Ruszin, Royal Farms’ fuel & environmental leader, underscored this shift, stating, “These new stations make it easier for drivers to choose electric without sacrificing speed or comfort.”
This move is part of a broader push by Royal Farms to adapt to the evolving needs of its customers. As more drivers make the switch to electric, the demand for quick, reliable, and accessible charging options is only expected to grow. The Maryland rollout represents a significant step toward making EVs a practical choice for more people—no matter if they’re running errands or embarking on a cross-state journey.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is experiencing its own EV charging revolution. According to Zapmap, July 2025 saw the addition of 1,849 new public charge points nationwide, including 239 rapid or ultra-rapid chargers. This expansion was driven in large part by the completion of several on-street charging projects, which added 1,563 slow chargers to the network. The UK’s total number of public EV charge points reached an impressive 84,218 by August 2025, reflecting the country’s aggressive efforts to support the transition to electric mobility.
Melanie Shufflebotham, founder and chief operating officer at Zapmap, highlighted the momentum behind these developments: “July saw GRIDSERVE and Osprey, both leading charge point operators, rolling out ultra-rapid charging hubs, secure financing, close on the heels of Believ’s June announcement of a £300m investment facility. These investments indicate the maturing of the market and provide a strong footing for continued growth.”
Government support has played a critical role in accelerating this growth. The UK Government’s launch of the Electric Car Grant Scheme in July 2025 offers private EV buyers up to £3,750 off the cost of a new electric vehicle—a move designed to make EVs more accessible to a broader segment of the population. At the same time, the Department for Transport committed £63 million to expanding the charging network and reducing charging costs for consumers.
Jade Edwards, head of insights at Zapmap, pointed to the tangible impact of these policies: “The UK’s public charging infrastructure recorded solid growth in July, with particularly robust growth in on-street provision. Announcements from Cornwall Council and the North West Combined Authority highlight how Government funding is actively translating into tangible deployment plans.”
Regional growth has been especially strong in the West Midlands, which has seen a 19% increase in charging infrastructure so far in 2025. New ultra-rapid charging hubs have also opened in Telford and Edmonton, each featuring 18 charge points and strategically located near busy retail centers and key transport routes. Osprey’s new 16 charge point super-hub in Paisley and Instavolt’s 40-year lease for a 30-vehicle ultra-rapid charging site near Stonehenge further illustrate the rapid pace of network expansion.
Beyond the numbers, the surge in charging infrastructure is having a real-world impact. In July alone, UK drivers completed more than three million successful charging sessions at public stations, a testament to both the growing popularity of EVs and the increasing reliability of the charging network. According to Zapmap, the combination of demand-side incentives and public-private investments is “a reflection of the growing maturity of the market and likely to support further confidence and growth throughout the second half of the year.”
Back in the U.S., Electrify America’s expansion in Maryland is just one example of a nationwide trend. As more convenience stores, supermarkets, and other retailers integrate high-speed charging into their offerings, the line between travel stops and charging hubs continues to blur. The aim is clear: make EV ownership as easy—and as appealing—as possible for the average driver. Whether it’s a quick top-up during a coffee run or a full charge before a long drive, the new infrastructure is designed to fit seamlessly into daily life.
Of course, challenges remain. Not every EV on the road can take full advantage of 350 kW charging speeds, and the rollout of ultra-rapid chargers must be matched by continued investment in grid capacity and maintenance. But with public and private sectors working hand-in-hand, and with consumer demand showing no signs of slowing, the direction of travel is unmistakable.
For drivers in Maryland and across the UK, the message is simple: charging an electric vehicle is getting faster, easier, and more convenient than ever before. With robust infrastructure, supportive policies, and a growing network of accessible charging options, the future of electric mobility looks brighter—and more electrifying—by the day.
