The Evolution of EV Charging Infrastructure in the UK

15 July 2024

The Evolution of EV Charging Infrastructure in the UK

The Evolution of EV Charging Infrastructure in the UK
15 July 2024

The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is continually evolving to meet the demand of EV drivers. This growth is essential to support the rising number of electric vehicles on roads, driven through consumer demand and supported through government policy aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Here, we explore the milestones in the UK's EV charging network and the strategic advancements that are shaping the future of electric motoring.

 

Expansion of the Charging Network

As of June 2024, the UK has over 64,775 public EV charging points installed across 33,829 locations, according to data collected by Zapmap. These figures do not include the many charge points installed at home or at workplace locations. When these are included, the figure is closer to 930,000 public, home and work EV chargers in the UK, as recorded by ChargeUK.

This rapid growth is a response to the increasing uptake of EVs and the government's push towards a greener future. Thanks to the growing number of charging stations and their strategic placement, it is now more convenient than ever for drivers to charge their vehicles efficiently.

 

Advancements in Charging Technology

The rise of rapid and ultra-rapid charging stations represents a huge jump for the EV sector. Modern chargers can now power an EV battery from 20% to 80% in just minutes, a breakthrough for drivers who want fast and effective charging solutions. These high-powered charging stations, offering up to 100kW and more, are increasingly becoming increasingly more common in a trend towards less charging time and more convenience for the EV user.

 

Government Initiatives and Funding

The UK government's commitment to supporting EV infrastructure is evident through various funding initiatives, like the investment pledge of £70m in rapid electric car chargers. This, added to schemes like the Rapid Charging Fund, means all motorway service areas will have at least six rapid chargers, underlining the government's intent to make more widespread EV charging a reality.

 

Trends and Future Projections

The future trend of EV infrastructure for charging, as projected, has been one of continual growth, with an estimation from ChargeUK that the number of charging points will be over 300,000 by 2030. This growth rate will outpace the rise in EV ownership, so there will be adequate charging options for all EV drivers.

 

For those considering moving over to an electric vehicle, the expanding infrastructure, coupled with government incentives and advancing technology, makes now an exciting time to explore the benefits of EV leasing options. At Fleet UK, you can explore our latest leasing options to find your ideal electric vehicle in a rapidly evolving market.

Interested in leasing an Electric Car? View our offers here.

Want to find out more about EVs? Learn more here: Top 10 EV Questions Answered