The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is surging ahead in the United Kingdom, with the number of public charging points accelerating to new heights. According to the latest data from Zapmap, utilized by the UK government, there were 73,421 public EV chargers across the country as of December 20th, 2024. This impressive figure represents a significant 36% year-over-year increase, equating to an additional 19,600 charging stations – nearly matching the total number available at the end of 2020.
The rapid expansion of charging infrastructure is a pivotal development as the UK races to support the burgeoning population of over 1 million electric cars now traversing British roads. With EV sales expected to continue their meteoric rise, propelled by government mandates requiring automakers to sell an increasing proportion of zero-emission vehicles, the pressure is on to ensure that charging facilities keep pace.
Charging Ahead: Opportunities and Obstacles
While the 36% growth in public chargers throughout 2024 is undoubtedly impressive, it does represent a slight deceleration compared to the 45% increase witnessed in 2023. Industry experts attribute this slowdown to a confluence of factors, including:
- Delays in government funding, particularly through the local electric vehicle infrastructure (Levi) program, which has hindered some installers’ efforts to maintain momentum.
- Hesitation among charging point operators and investors, stemming from concerns over potential relaxations to the UK’s ambitious EV sales quotas, known as the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
Despite these headwinds, industry leaders remain optimistic about the future of EV charging in the UK. Vicky Read, CEO of Charge UK, characterizes 2024 as a “boom” year overall, even with the “slight tail-off towards the end.” She anticipates that installation rates will rebound in 2025 as Levi funding starts to flow more freely.
Regional Disparities and Local Challenges
While the national picture is encouraging, stark regional disparities persist in terms of charger availability. London continues to lead the pack, boasting 234 public chargers per 100,000 residents. In contrast, Northern Ireland lags far behind with a mere 32 chargers per 100,000 people – the lowest ratio in the country.
Local authorities also face challenges in keeping pace with the EV transition. Robin Heap, CEO of charging company Zest, notes that many councils are grappling with limited resources and expertise, leading to delays and inconsistencies in charger rollouts. Some authorities have struggled with issues as basic as planning permissions, highlighting the need for greater support and coordination at the national level.
Rapid Charging Powers Ahead
Amid the overall growth in charging infrastructure, the speed of that growth is particularly striking. According to Zapmap, the number of ultra-rapid chargers capable of delivering 150 kW or more surged by an astonishing 80% compared to the end of 2023.
“The ultra-rapid 150kW+ chargers used by EV drivers on longer journeys have seen particularly high growth, with 80% more available than at the end of 2023.”
– Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-Founder and COO of Zapmap
This focus on high-powered charging is crucial for making EVs a viable option for long-distance travel, helping to alleviate range anxiety and making electric motoring more practical for a wider range of drivers.
Charging Forward
As the UK accelerates towards its goal of phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, the continued expansion of its charging network will be absolutely essential. While 2024 has seen impressive strides forward, there is still much work to be done in ensuring that charging infrastructure is accessible, reliable, and equitably distributed across the country.
Government, industry, and local authorities must collaborate closely to overcome obstacles, streamline processes, and invest strategically in the charging solutions of the future. Only by charging ahead together can the UK hope to realize its vision of a cleaner, greener transportation system powered by electricity.
