The New Spark in UK EV Charging

EDF buys Pod Point as Duracell launches a £200M charging network, reshaping the UK’s EV power map

16 Oct 2025

The UK’s electric vehicle charging race just gained two powerful new contenders. EDF has completed its full takeover of Pod Point, while Duracell is plugging into the market with an ambitious new network of ultra-fast chargers. Together, they are reshaping the nation’s EV infrastructure and the balance of power behind it.

EDF’s acquisition of Pod Point, finalized in August 2025, ends its years as a majority shareholder. By delisting the company from the London Stock Exchange, EDF brings its charging arm fully under its energy umbrella. Analysts say the move is about control: by owning both electricity supply and charging access, EDF can create a seamless ecosystem that runs from the grid to the driver’s driveway.

Duracell, meanwhile, is shifting gears from powering remote controls to fueling cars. Its £200 million “Duracell E-Charge” network will roll out 400 kW ultra-fast chargers at motorway and retail sites across the UK. The company, partnering with Elektra Charge and The EV Network, plans to open six pilot sites this year and grow to 100 sites with 500 chargers by 2030.

These twin developments mark two converging forces in the EV landscape. On one side, utilities like EDF are consolidating operators to safeguard profits and own the customer journey. On the other, consumer giants such as Duracell are using their trusted brands to build confidence in a crowded and often confusing charging market.

The pressure on smaller operators could intensify as scale and recognition become key advantages. Those that can align with bigger partners or offer integrated services may find a lifeline in collaboration.

Yet the challenges ahead are as charged as the ambitions driving them. Integrating platforms, managing grid demand, and ensuring smooth user experiences will test even the largest players. Still, the message is clear: the next chapter in Britain’s EV revolution will be powered by unlikely alliances and a growing appetite for control.