Boost for drivers as UK’s charging network enjoys record-breaking year
The UK’s public charging network enjoyed a record year of growth in 2024, according to the latest data.
Analysis of the country’s infrastructure by Zapmap reveals that more than 20,000 new charge points were activated last year as the rate of installation accelerated again.
At the end of December 2024 there were 73,699 public charging points available – an increase of 38% compared with the end of 2023.
New devices were added at an average rate of 1,650 per month in 2024, up from 1,400 per month in the previous year.
Growth was particularly strong in the ultra-rapid segment (150kW+), according to the mapping service’s data. Thanks to their increasing popularity at motorway services and other high-traffic destinations such as retail parks, the number of ultra-rapid devices jumped 84%. There are now more than 7,000 150kW+ chargers, with a total of more than 14,000 ‘rapid’ devices (over 50kW).
The figures also showed that the number of large-scale charging hubs – those with six or more 50kW+ chargers – more than doubled from 264 at the end of 2023 to 537 at the end of 2024. These hubs are seen as vital for en-route charging as the number of EVs on the UK’s roads increases. New figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders show that EV sales also hit record levels in 2024.
The news comes just weeks after the National Audit Office reported that England was on track to meet the government’s target of 300,000 chargers by 2030. However, the NAO report warned of a stark geographical split and said there was a risk rural and more remote areas could be left behind.
Zapmap’s data shows that while the provision of on-street chargers has grown, 72% of these chargers are concentrated in Greater London. It cautioned that overall local provision remained ‘variable’ but said with the expected completion of more projects funded by the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme, the spread of devices should improve towards the end of 2025.
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO at Zapmap, said: “Last year was another record year for charging infrastructure growth with en-route charging points in particular being installed ahead of the growth in electric vehicle sales.
“As we move into 2025, we can expect to see the benefits of the PCPR consumer regulations coming into effect combined with the impact of LEVI-funded projects reaching local authorities and bringing more equitable access to charging devices.
“Confirmation on a strong and clear ZEV mandate, following the government’s recently communicated consultation, will also help to bring certainty and confidence to both infrastructure providers and UK drivers that the transition is happening now.”
The rapid charger roll-out is expected to continue throughout 2025 as councils approve more projects and the government looks to simplify the planning process.
According to a report in The Times, more than 120 planning applications covering hundreds of thousands of new chargers have been granted by local authorities in the last 18 months. Schemes with a value of almost £700 million have been given the green light as councils look to boost provision in their areas.
As part of its reexamination of the ZEV mandate, the government is seeking views on speeding up the planning process for EV charge points. This could include simplifying the legislation around off-street sites and making digital applications for on-street projects simpler.
Delvin Lane, CEO of major charging network Instavolt, welcomed the proposed changes. He noted: “Simplifying planning processes is a critical step forward in accelerating the deployment of a robust charging network, which is key to supporting the transition to zero-emission vehicles.”
