Recent data released by Zapmap indicates that the UK now boasts over 64,000 EV charging points as of June 2024.
This represents an increase of 11,195 chargers in the last six months, showcasing a year-on-year growth of 46%. The first half of 2024 alone has seen an average monthly installation rate of 1,865 charging devices, marking a 34% increase from the previous year.
In response to the growing demand for rapid recharging during longer journeys, the deployment of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers (50kW and above) has surged by 49% since June 2023, now totaling over 12,551 units. Furthermore, there has been a notable rise in the installation of 150kW+ chargers, designed to add approximately 100 miles of range in 20 minutes, doubling their numbers since last year to 5,416.
The geographic distribution of these high-powered chargers has been particularly robust in the North West and South West, which have seen increases of over 178% and 163%, respectively. Wales and Northern Ireland also reported significant growth, albeit from lower starting points.
Additionally, the UK has introduced more than 120 new high-powered charging hubs since the end of 2023, bringing the total to 386. These hubs, defined as locations with six or more rapid or ultra-rapid charging devices, do not include Tesla locations not open to other brands.
The expansion also extends to lower-powered chargers for overnight street charging. Almost 3,500 new on-street chargers were installed in the first half of 2024, with the total now at 23,290. Greater London continues to lead this initiative, with its on-street charger count now at 17,269, up from 10,894 in June of the previous year.
Outside London, the availability of on-street charging remains inconsistent, though cities like Coventry, Brighton, and Liverpool are making strides in increasing their coverage.
The UK government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding is also contributing to this growth, with 49 local authorities in ‘Tranche 1’ moving through procurement phases, and those in ‘Tranche 2’ having until mid-July to apply.
Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-Founder & COO of Zapmap, commented on the expansion, “The past six months have been extremely positive for public charging infrastructure in the UK – not least because more than 11,000 additional charge points are now available for electric car drivers across the country.
“For drivers who are looking to make the switch to electric, but are not quite sure yet, they need to have the confidence that the public charging network is there for them, particularly on longer journeys. That’s why it is fantastic to see such progress in en-route charging as well as in the rollout of so many, highly visible, charging hubs.”
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, also expressed support for the ongoing enhancements, “ChargeUK, the voice of the UK’s EV charging industry, welcomes these new figures from Zapmap. The continuation of this incredible growth in charge point deployment should give confidence to EV drivers that the network they need is there for them.
“ChargeUK looks forward to working with whoever forms the next government to build on this momentum and ensure charging provision remains ahead of demand.
“Our manifesto, launched in May, outlines the actions needed – help us get even more public chargers in the ground by removing barriers, support us to offer affordable charging by equalising VAT, and maximise our investment by speeding up and clarifying public funding.”