The UK’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure saw a 23 per cent surge over the past 12 months in a bid to help more drivers switch to electric cars.
According to Department for Transport data, the total number of public charging points across the UK has now reached 86,021, representing an additional 15,979 units since October 2024.
This growth means motorists can now access better charging facilities throughout the country, making electric vehicle ownership increasingly practical.
The expansion encompasses various charger types, including standard, rapid, and ultra-rapid units, distributed across urban centres and strategic road networks.
The figures demonstrate the accelerating pace of infrastructure development as the UK transitions towards electric mobility, with the network's rapid growth supporting both current EV owners and encouraging potential buyers to make the switch.
The installation rate has reached one new charge point every 33 minutes, demonstrating the sector's momentum in expanding coverage.
Of particular significance are the rapid and ultra-rapid charging units, which now total more than 17,356 across the network.
These high-speed chargers were found to power an electric vehicle's battery to 80 per cent capacity within 20 to 40 minutes, addressing concerns about lengthy charging times.
"There's never been a better time to go electric – charge points are up and we're helping drivers save with discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars, all part of our Plan for Change," stated Keir Mather, Minister for Decarbonisation.
The Government revealed that the installation rate of EV chargers has reached one every 33 minutes
| PAThe initiative follows an additional £25million programme aimed at assisting councils in installing cross-pavement channels, addressing a significant barrier for residents without off-street parking who wish to charge at home.
Regional variations in charging infrastructure development have emerged, with areas outside the capital experiencing particularly robust growth.
The expansion rate outside London reached 23.4 per cent compared to 21.7 per cent within the capital, indicating a more balanced national distribution of facilities.
Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, the West Midlands and the East of England were found to have particularly strong increases, improving accessibility for journeys to destinations including York Minster, Caerphilly Castle and Norwich Cathedral.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Labour announced plans to make it easier for renters and leaseholders to install electric car chargers | GETTYThe Government explained that the strategic placement of the units has been prioritised, with over 6,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers now positioned within one mile of England's motorways and major A-roads, according to Zapmap data from July 2025.
The Government's £650million Electric Car Grant scheme has already facilitated more than 25,000 motorists in transitioning to electric vehicles, offering reductions of up to £3,750 across 39 eligible models.
The combination of expanding infrastructure and substantial purchase incentives is hoped to make electric vehicles an increasingly attractive option for UK motorists seeking to reduce both emissions and running costs.
Earlier this week, the Government also announced plans to streamline regulations surrounding home charging installations, particularly benefiting tenants and those lacking private driveways.
There are now more than 86,000 chargers installed around the UK
| PALabour revealed it would launch a consultation later this month on removing planning permission requirements for cross-pavement charging gullies, potentially eliminating £250 in planning fees.
"We're also cutting red tape so renters and those without driveways can access affordable home charging, making it easier and cheaper for everyone to make the switch," Mr Mather added.
These measures could enable households to operate electric vehicles for as little as 2p per mile, equating to just £2.50 for a journey from London to Birmingham.
The initiative follows an additional £25million programme aimed at assisting councils in installing cross-pavement channels, addressing a significant barrier for residents without off-street parking who wish to charge at home.