A significant expansion of public electric vehicle charging infrastructure in the United Kingdom is bolstering confidence among drivers as the nation moves toward its ambitious decarbonization goals. Recent data reveals that over 100,000 public charging points are now accessible nationwide – a pivotal milestone on the path to meeting established targets.
A new report from Octopus Electroverse’s Charging Infrastructure Insights initiative demonstrates substantial progress: more than one public charger has been added every 13 minutes during the past six months, accelerating towards the projected goal of 100,000 chargers by the end of this decade. The rollout is particularly focused on rapid and ultra-rapid charging stations, currently comprising a notable 24% of the total public network.
“This achievement underscores the tangible momentum being built toward electric mobility in the UK,” stated Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Electroverse. “Drivers can now anticipate readily available charging options nearly everywhere they travel – effectively mirroring the ease of charging a mobile phone. We’re demonstrably on course to realize the government’s aim of 300,000 chargers by 2030, with ongoing improvements in reliability and user experience further enhancing driver confidence.”
Further supporting this trend is a surge in electric vehicle adoption.
- Separate data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicates that over one million battery electric vehicles are currently registered across the country.
- March witnessed an impressive 69,980 new battery electric vehicles being registered – a remarkable 42.3% increase compared to the previous year.
- The decline in sales of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles is also significant, with these fuels now accounting for less than 50% of the overall automotive market share.
Local authorities are actively participating in this expansion through strategic utilization of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund. Significant investment is driving community-based charging solutions:
- Lambeth Council, for example, recently secured £1.36 million to upgrade its EV charging network, with plans to install up to 404 new chargers throughout the London borough.
- The West Midlands Combined Authority has allocated £15.7 million to establish approximately 12,000 chargers across the region over a five-year period.
- Brighton and Hove City Council is partnering with chargepoint operator char.gy, securing a £130 million contract to install more than 6,000 chargers utilizing LEVI funding.
Government figures further reinforce this progress: “In February, one in four cars sold was electric – a record high,” according to a recent statement. Last year saw a total of 382,000 EVs sold across Europe, surpassing all previous records. Furthermore, approximately 75,000 public chargepoints are already available, with an average of one new charger being installed every 29 minutes.
The government’s commitment to the transition includes a substantial investment exceeding £2.3 billion, designed to support both industry and consumers in embracing electric vehicles. This initiative is projected to stimulate a multibillion-pound sector, creating numerous high-skilled jobs and solidifying the UK’s position as a global leader in clean energy – all while contributing to the delivery of the government’s broader environmental strategy.