Electric vehicle miles soar in May, Zap-Map data shows

Electric vehicle mapping service Zap-Map saw a 280% increase in electric routes planned in May 2021 versus the same period two years ago, and a 39% increase versus April 2021.

There are now over 500,000 plug-in cars on UK roads as sales have skyrocketed by more than 55% over the past year. This growth, coupled with the UK’s gradual release from lockdown, has led to a huge increase in new and existing EV drivers planning both their longer journeys for the bank holidays in May and future trips over the summer.

The boom was also reflected in an estimated 180% increase in usage of public charge points between May 2019 and May 2021, a period during which Zap-Map’s data shows the number of public charging points in the UK has grown by 70%. Usage of the charging network increased 34% in May versus the previous month.

Zap-Map now has over 200,000 registered users, double the number since last year  and has mapped over 95% of the UK’s public points. Over 75% of UK EV drivers have downloaded Zap-Map, and downloads have grown 67% over 2020, ahead of the growth in the expanding EV market.

The new figures have been released to coincide with the launch of Zap-Map’s new subscription plans: Zap-Map Plus and Zap-Map Premium. For the past 7 years, the Zap-Map app has supported many thousands of EV drivers navigating the public charging network. The new service, which provides additional features in addition to the app’s core search, plan and pay services which remain free, is targeted at drivers who regularly use the public charging network and will allow people to save time while out and about.

Melanie Shufflebotham, Zap-Map’s co-founder and chief operating officer said: “A new generation of EV drivers are eager to hit the road. This new data shows how the sector is picking up speed at an astonishing rate and Zap-Map is on hand to show people the way. Our new service is built for everyone; from total beginners to experienced EV heads.”