UK electric vehicle (EV) drivers are finding it easier than ever to power up, as new figures reveal a significant surge in the public charging network. Over the past year, the number of public chargepoints across the country has jumped by a substantial 27%, pushing the total to more than 82,000.
This rapid expansion, confirmed by data from ZapMap and the Department for Transport (DfT), marks a crucial step forward in addressing "range anxiety" and supporting the nation's accelerating transition to electric transport. It represents the addition of over 17,000 new public chargepoints since July 2024.
"The rate of growth we've seen this past year is genuinely encouraging," commented Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder & COO of ZapMap. "Hitting the 80,000 mark is a significant milestone. It shows real momentum in infrastructure deployment, which is vital for giving both current and prospective EV drivers the confidence they need."
Beyond the Capital: Growth Across the Nations
While London continues to have the highest density of chargepoints, the growth is being felt nationwide. Key trends include:
- Rapid Expansion: The number of rapid (25-99kW) and ultra-rapid (100kW+) chargers – essential for longer journeys – saw particularly strong growth, increasing by over 30%. There are now more than 18,000 of these faster chargers available.
- Regional Spread: Areas outside London and major cities are seeing significant investment. The North West and East Midlands recorded some of the highest growth rates, narrowing the regional disparity.
- Destination Charging: Chargers at supermarkets, retail parks, and leisure facilities continue to multiply, making charging convenient while people go about their daily lives.
Government and Industry Push
This acceleration is widely attributed to a combination of factors: increased private sector investment, improving commercial viability, supportive government policies, and rising consumer demand for EVs. The UK government has set ambitious targets, including aiming for 300,000 public chargepoints by 2030.
Transport Minister, Sarah Jones, hailed the progress: "This 27% growth is fantastic news, putting us firmly on track to meet our ambitious targets. A robust, reliable, and widespread charging network is the backbone of our electric vehicle revolution. It’s about making EV ownership seamless for everyone, whether they’re commuting, doing the weekly shop, or heading off on a road trip."
Looking Ahead: Challenges Remain
Despite the positive news, industry bodies emphasise that the pace of rollout must be sustained, and even accelerated, to keep up with the projected surge in EV sales. Key challenges include:
- Grid Capacity: Ensuring local electricity networks can handle the increased demand, especially for rapid charging hubs.
- Reliability: Maintaining high uptime rates across all networks is crucial for driver confidence.
- Accessibility: Continued focus on geographical spread and equitable access across all regions and communities.
- Payment Ease: Ensuring simple, contactless payment options are universally available.
A Positive Charge for the Future
The 27% growth in the UK's public charging network over the past year is a clear signal that the infrastructure is catching up with the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road. While hurdles remain, the addition of over 17,000 new chargepoints, bringing the total to more than 82,000, represents tangible progress. It offers greater convenience for current EV owners and a stronger incentive for those considering making the switch, powering the UK further down the road towards a cleaner transport future.
For further details on the government's strategy and support for the EV transition, visit the official announcement:
Electric boost: EV chargepoints in the UK grow by 27% in a year
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