A GOVERNMENT target for electric car chargers near motorways has been missed, according to new analysis.

The Department for Transport (DfT) set an ambition for there to be at least six rapid or ultra-rapid chargers at every motorway service area in England by the end of 2023.

But just 46 out of 119 sites (39 per cent) meet the target, according to RAC analysis of data from charger locator service Zapmap.

That is up from 23 per cent at the end of April.

RAC spokesman Simon Williams said: "It's clear from our research that the Government has fallen well short of its target of having six high-powered chargers at every motorway service area in England."

A DfT spokesperson said: "The number of public charge points is surging across the country.

"Around 96 per cent of motorway services now offer charging facilities for drivers."

A DfT document added: "We will continue to work with site operators to ensure that every site is reached."