The number of UK electric vehicle (EV) charging hubs with rapid or ultra rapid devices has more than doubled in the past year, according to new data from Zapmap. The figures reveal that by the end of 2023, there were 264 charging hubs in the country, a 145% increase from the 108 hubs at the end of 2022.
While these charging hubs are opening in various locations, the data shows that only 20% of them are situated at motorway services, failing to meet the target of having at least six rapid or ultra-rapid chargers at every motorway service station in England by the end of 2023. Recent data from the RAC indicates that only 40% of these service areas have the required chargers in place.
Zapmap highlights that charging hubs can be found in retail parks, car parks, fuel stations, as well as dedicated charging areas that cater to EV drivers’ needs. Last year, the country witnessed record growth in the number of high-power charging hubs and ultra-rapid chargers, in a bid to support EV drivers on longer journeys. The 2023 charging statistics showcase a 45% year-on-year growth in the number of new public chargers installed across the UK, up from 31% between 2021 and 2022.
In October, the UK reached a significant milestone of 50,000 public charging points, having surpassed the 40,000 mark in February 2023. Furthermore, the rate of net new charger installations rose to nearly 1,400 devices every month in 2023, compared to 730 devices per month in 2022 – an 89% increase.
The number of high-powered chargers also grew by 52% in 2023, reaching a total of almost 10,500 devices across over 5,000 locations by the end of December. Most of this growth was driven by ultra-rapid chargers providing 100kW or more of power. In 2020, the UK had 788 chargers of 100kW or above, comprising 20% of the country’s high-powered chargers. However, by the end of 2023, the number of ultra-rapid chargers rose to nearly 4,870, accounting for a significant 46% of high-powered devices nationwide.
Ian Johnston, Chair of ChargeUK, expressed confidence in these numbers, stating that charge points are being deployed at a record pace. The organization plans to invest £6 billion before 2030 to ensure the UK has adequate charging infrastructure. Johnston added that efforts will be redoubled to make the UK the best place in the world for EV driving and charging.
Zapmap’s latest figures also indicate positive developments in the distribution of high-powered charging devices across regions in the UK. Greater London, the south-east, and the south-west have joined Scotland in having over 1,000 rapid or ultra-rapid chargers available. Additionally, nearly all geographical areas in the UK experienced growth, including Northern Ireland, although from a smaller base.
The data shows an increase in low-power chargers supporting those without home charging points, with 72% more on-street chargers compared to the previous year. However, the rollout of these chargers remains uneven across regions and is largely dependent on local authorities’ engagement.
Zapmap acknowledged progress in the rollout of the UK government’s £450 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, designed to support local authorities. Further developments in this area are anticipated in 2024.
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO of Zapmap, emphasized the positive aspects of EV charging in 2023, especially the record growth in higher-powered chargers to facilitate longer journeys. She expressed Zapmap’s commitment to providing EV drivers with accurate and real-time charging information, noting that while only a small percentage of EV drivers would consider returning to petrol or diesel vehicles, they demand more chargers and an improved charging experience. Shufflebotham looks forward to continued progress in these areas as EV adoption continues to rise in 2024.
Overall, the increase in EV charging hubs and high-powered chargers in the UK signifies a positive shift towards supporting the growing number of EV drivers and encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles as a sustainable form of transportation.
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