The UK’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network has grown by nearly a quarter over the past year, with 15,979 new charge points added since October 2024, according to data from Zapmap. The latest figures, published by the Department for Transport, show that the national charging network now comprises more than 86,000 charge points in total, with an average of one new public charger being installed every 33 minutes.
Of these, over 17,356 are rapid or ultra-rapid chargers, offering faster charging for drivers on the move. Growth has been strong across the country, with installations up 21.7% in London and 23.4% outside the capital, particularly in Wales, the Humber, Yorkshire, the West Midlands, and the East of England.
Minister for Decarbonisation Keir Mather welcomed the progress, saying: “There’s never been a better time to go electric – charge points 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.”
The expansion of the charging network supports the government’s wider efforts to accelerate EV adoption and improve charging access nationwide. As of July 2025, more than 6,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers were located within one mile of England’s motorways and major A-roads, providing reliable coverage for long-distance drivers.
Vicky Read, chief executive of 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. Meaning 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 continued expansion of public infrastructure is seen as essential to meeting the UK’s zero-emission vehicle targets, particularly as the number of electric cars and vans on the road continues to rise sharply.
With both public and private investment driving network growth, the UK’s charging provision is becoming increasingly comprehensive, giving drivers greater confidence to switch to electric and helping the country move closer to its long-term decarbonisation goals.