Public charging network grows 23% in one year

The UK’s public charging network has grown by almost a quarter in the past year, according to new data shared by the Government.

Figures published by the Department for Transport and Office for Zero Emission Vehicles on October 30 show that 15,979 new public chargers have been added since October 2024 – a year-on-year increase of 23%.

Over the past three years the number of chargers has quadrupled. There are now 86,021 publicly accessible chargers around the country serving the ever-growing UK fleet of electric vehicles. Of those, more than 17,000 are rapid or ultra-rapid units, delivering the shortest charging times.

On average one new charger has been installed every 33 minutes across the last 12 months.

Vicky Read, chief executive of industry body ChargeUK said: “The EV charging industry is pulling out all the stops to help drivers go electric, investing billions of private capital into high-quality charging — supporting the government’s ambitions for growth and decarbonisation in the process.

“The vast majority of EV drivers use the public networks and an increasing number will be wholly reliant on them. That means we need the right mix of affordable and easy to access charging at home and at work, on-street, en-route and at destinations to ensure everyone can make the switch.”

The new figures show that there are now more than 6,000 open-access rapid and ultra-rapid chargers within one mile of England’s Strategic Road Network, covering motorways and A-roads.

The data also suggests that regional divides in provision are beginning to narrow. In England, the public network outside of London grew by 23.4%, compared to 21.7% in London, which currently dominates charger allocation. Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands and East of England all saw notably rapid growth along with Wales.

Minister for Decarbonisation, Keir Mather said: “There’s never been a better time to go electric – chargepoints are up 23% in a year, and we’re helping drivers save with discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars, all part of our Plan for Change.

“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.”