We spoke to Connor Charnley, Commercial Director at Connekt about what the network has to offer EV drivers, and what it has has accomplished, and its plans for the future.
There are dozens of CPOs across the country, why should drivers filter for Connekt when they open Zapmap?
Drivers should filter for Connekt because we focus on what matters most, once you’re actually on the road: reliable charging, easy-to-use locations, and sites that fit real journeys. Connekt are very proud to provide a 24/7/365 UK based driver support with a 99.13% uptime of our charging Network.
Our network has grown around destinations where people naturally stop, stay, work, and spend time, rather than simply chasing charger numbers. That approach is reflected in recent rollouts with partners such as Holiday Inn Express, with multiple sites now live in Burton upon Trent, Swindon and Wimbledon, reflecting our focus on building a network around where drivers already stop and stay.
We’ve also expanded access through platforms such as Zapmap, Electroverse and Allstar, helping make charging easier for both everyday drivers and fleets.
What’s been the biggest surprise for Connekt so far this year, and how have you responded to that?
The biggest surprise has been just how quickly expectations have risen. Drivers and site hosts no longer just want chargers installed; they want visibility on major platforms, simple access, dependable uptime, and a charging experience that feels like part of the journey rather than an extra hassle. We’ve responded by improving network access through roaming partnerships, continuing to expand the network, and investing more heavily in the operational side of the business so growth is matched by reliability. This includes expanding into leisure destinations through partners such as Verdant Leisure Parks, supporting sites where high dwell time and predictable demand make charging both practical and valuable. Our aim is to be the number one CPO in the UK.
What is your most unique location in your network and why?
One of the most unique locations in our network is Cameron House on Loch Lomond. It stands out for showing how EV charging can be integrated into a premium destination without compromising the guest experience. Connekt installed 24 chargers across four strategic locations at the resort for hotel guests, staff, golfers, and VIP users, and later expanded with Connekt’s inaugural rapid-charging hub on-site. It is a great example of charging designed around real behaviour, in a location that is both commercially important and visually memorable.
Connekt EV charging at Cameron House, Loch Lomand
A close second is the Scottish FA at Hampden Park in Glasgow. As a sports fan, that charging site really stands out to me. With Scotland set for the 2026 World Cup, it adds an extra layer of excitement to see Connekt supporting a location connected to Scottish football. My nation, Northern Ireland, is now out of contention after losing their play-off semi-final to Italy so I will be giving my support to them.
From a network point of view, it is also a great example of the kind of locations we want to be associated with: recognisable destinations with strong public interest, strong footfall and a real connection to people’s everyday lives and passions. It shows that EV charging is no longer just about utility; it is becoming part of the broader experience around where people go, what they do and what they care about.
Connekt charging at Hampden Park, Glasgow
How do you ensure that the charge points installed today can support customisable customer services over the long term?
For us, it starts with avoiding closed systems. Long-term flexibility comes from combining high-quality hardware with a robust software and back-office layer, enabling the customer experience to evolve over time. That means supporting interoperability, enabling roaming, using adaptable platforms, and ensuring the network can accommodate future upgrades in payments, reporting, driver support, and tariff models without having to start from scratch. Connekt’s current network strategy already reflects that direction through integrations such as Electroverse, Allstar, and Zapmap, with its stated emphasis on managed, scalable commercial charging.
How are you making the charging experience simple for drivers across the UK?
We’re making it simpler by reducing friction at every stage: finding a charger, accessing it, paying for it, and trusting it will work when you arrive. Our focus is not just on putting chargers in the ground, but on putting them in the right places and making them easy to use. Partnerships with roaming platforms also mean more drivers can access Connekt chargers through services they already know, which makes charging feel far more natural and convenient.
What measures are you working on to ensure your network hits the target of 99% uptime, as the government has mandated?
Reliability has to be built into the network from day one. For Connekt, that means active monitoring, fast issue response, and ongoing operational investment as the network grows. The business has publicly referenced real-time data monitoring and a 99.13% operability rate, which shows the direction of travel is already centred on network performance rather than just expansion. The goal is simple: drivers should be able to turn up and charge with confidence, not guess whether a charger will be working.
Our network is built around real destinations where people already stop, stay and spend time, and we’re continuing to make access easier through major platforms. For us, it’s not just about adding more chargers, it’s about making charging feel simple, dependable and convenient every time you use it.
What would be your question for the next CPO we speak to?
As driver expectations keep rising, what are you investing in first: more charge points, or the operational capability behind them to keep the experience consistently reliable?
