The net-zero transition is rapidly underway, as it’s been confirmed that more than 17,000 EV chargepoints have appeared across the UK in the last year.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood announced that EV chargepoints have experienced a 27% surge, with 17,370 added since July 2024.
The rapid growth in figures – particularly in the north-east, East of England and the West Midlands – also means drivers can embark on their journeys with the peace of mind that public chargepoints are a short drive away.
Why does the UK need more EV chargepoints?
Increasing the number of EV chargepoints across the UK offers numerous benefits for individuals, businesses, and the environment.
A more extensive charging network supports the transition to cleaner transportation by reducing range anxiety and making EV ownership more practical and convenient.
This expansion encourages more drivers to switch from petrol and diesel vehicles, leading to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution.
It also supports the UK’s broader net-zero goals and boosts local economies by attracting green investment and creating jobs in infrastructure, maintenance, and technology sectors.
Better access to public charging can help ensure that EV adoption is inclusive, benefiting people without off-street parking or private driveways.
Securing the UK’s position as a leader in EV adoption
The news about EV chargepoints comes after last week’s announcement that drivers will soon enjoy discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars, on top of a £25m boost to help more drivers charge at home and save up to £1,500 a year when switching to electric.
Drivers will start to benefit from discounts as soon as manufacturers successfully apply for their zero-emission cars, with the scheme open to firms now and funding available until the 2028-2029 financial year.
Greenwood commented: “Just last week, we announced record discounts to help make EV ownership a reality for thousands more people, alongside making it easier to charge at home so more drivers can run their EV for as little as 2p a mile – that’s London to Birmingham for £2.50.”
The government is investing £4.5bn to make it cheaper and easier to own an EV, while backing British carmakers to create jobs and drive investment – all part of the Plan for Change.
This secures the UK’s position as a world leader in electric vehicle adoption – with Britain set to become the largest EV market in Europe by 2024 and sales up by a fifth on the previous year.
Rapidly expanding the UK’s EV chargepoint network
“Today’s EV chargepoint figures show that alongside lowering upfront costs, we’re also making fantastic progress towards expanding our charging network across the UK,” said Greenwood.
“With a new chargepoint added to the network every half an hour, we’re helping put range anxiety firmly in the rear-view mirror.”
The sustained growth in the charging network in all four corners of the country shows the government is firmly on the side of drivers, coming on top of a record £1.6bn to tackle potholes and keeping the 5p fuel duty freeze until spring 2026, saving the average motorist between £50 and £60 a year.
