UK's public charging point network grows 49% in 12 months

As of 1 April 2024, there were 59,670 public electric vehicle charging devices installed in the UK; up 49% year on year

The Department for Transport's newly published EV public charging infrastructure statistics show there were 59,670 devices installed as of 1 April 2024. The figure is up by 19,520 compared to a year ago, an increase of 49%. Meanwhile, total installed devices increased by 5,993 compared to the start of year, marking an 11% quarterly rise.

The data, provided by Zapmap, shows 11,590 were rapid chargers with 50kW of power or above, accounting for 19% of all charging devices, while ultra-rapid 150kW plus chargers accounted for 8% (4,662 devices). A total of 35,339 were slow chargers with a power rating of 3kW up to 8kW, representing 59% of all charging devices, while fast chargers (8kW to 49kW) held a 21% share.

The analysis also shows that nearly half (46% / 27,583 devices) were designated as 'destination' chargers, while almost four in 10 (37% / 22,199) were 'on street' chargers and 7% were 'en route' chargers.

Regional distribution of charging devices

There was an increase in the number of public charging devices in all regions of the UK. However, the DfT noted that across all speeds in total, there is an uneven geographical distribution of charging devices within the UK. It pointed out that only some local authorities have bid for UK government funding for charging devices - and most of the provision of public charging infrastructure has been market-led, with individual charging networks and other businesses - such as hotels -  choosing where to install devices.

London and Scotland had the highest level of charging provision per 100,000 of population as of 1 April 2024, with 221 and 93 devices per 100,000 respectively. In comparison, the average provision in the UK was 89 per 100,000.

Northern Ireland had the lowest level of charging device provision in the UK, with 29 devices per 100,000, followed by the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber, each with 53 devices per 100,000.

When it comes to rapid charging infrastructure, Scotland had the highest rate of provision for 50kW and above, at 24.2 charging devices per 100,000, whilst the average provision in the UK was 17.3 per 100,000. 50kW and above charging device provision was lowest for Northern Ireland with 7 charging devices rated 50kW and above per 100,000. London was the second lowest region with 13 charging devices rated 50kW and above per 100,000.

Quarterly change in public charging devices

The number of total charging devices increased in every region and country of the UK between January to March 2024. The North East had the greatest increase at 21.7%, whilst London had the lowest increase, of 5.1%. The South East had the greatest increase in absolute number of devices at 979 devices, followed by London at 953.

The number of 50kW and above 'rapid' devices also increased in every region and country in the UK between January to March 2024. The region with the smallest percentage increase in the number of 50kW and above devices was Yorkshire and the Humber at 8.8%. Northern Ireland had the largest percentage increase in 50kW and above devices at 70.5%, corresponding to an increase of 55 devices rated 50kW and above.

Commenting on the figures, Jack Green-Morgan, political consultant for energy, utilities and net zero at Dods Political Intelligence, said: "Charging anxiety is a major factor dissuading people from buying EVs. As such, today's announcement that there has been a 49% annual increase in the number of publicly available charge points in the UK marks progress towards both incentivising people to drive EVs and reducing emissions from vehicles.

"This is good news for current and future domestic EV users, who will benefit from a larger charging network. It is also positive for the EV manufacturing sector and its supply chain, which will welcome infrastructure developments that encourage EV purchases.

"EV manufacturers in particular will be encouraged by these statistics following the recently published IEA report on battery technology. This report highlighted the rapidly growing opportunities in battery manufacturing and electric vehicle industries, and, alongside today's charge point statistics, will vindicate businesses' continued investment in the sector.

"However, while these statistics are encouraging, the UK government will be conscious that they will have to maintain this high rate of charge point expansion in order to meet their target of 300,000 charge points by 2030."

And Robin Heap, CEO of Zest - an investor-operator of public EV charging infrastructure - said: "These latest figures are encouraging and show that the UK is making progress in decarbonising road travel by creating the conditions for consumers to transition to electric vehicles.  It's great to see installations increase faster outside London and the South East where they have traditionally been concentrated.

"EV charging is a different experience to what petrol and diesel drivers are used to. Ultimately it can be much more convenient because it fits around people's everyday routines - you just charge where you usually park. So right now we need abundant charging in a lot more of the places where people regularly park."

And Robin Heap, CEO of Zest - an investor-operator of public EV charging infrastructure - said: "These latest figures are encouraging and show that the UK is making progress in decarbonising road travel by creating the conditions for consumers to transition to electric vehicles.  It's great to see installations increase faster outside London and the South East where they have traditionally been concentrated.

"EV charging is a different experience to what petrol and diesel drivers are used to. Ultimately it can be much more convenient because it fits around people's everyday routines - you just charge where you usually park. So right now we need abundant charging in a lot more of the places where people regularly park."

Finally, John Lewis, CEO of on-street charge point operator Char.gy, said the expansion of the on-street network, now at 22,000 charge points and accounting for over a third of all charging solutions, was particularly encouraging.

"Given that 99% of UK journeys average less than 100 miles, the availability of charging solutions near people's homes is crucial. It's exciting to see the network's growth beginning to reflect the convenience necessary to drive the transition to electric vehicles."

He added: "While the report also highlights regions that still require substantial development, the introduction of the LEVI Fund positions the UK well. We are poised to fuel the next crucial stage of growth, further enhancing public on-street charging and addressing rural and traditionally underserved regions. At Char.gy, we are dedicated to supporting this rollout and enabling the switch to electric for all, particularly the 40% of households without driveways. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with our partners in local government to make this next stage a reality."

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