Public electric vehicle chargepoints grow 23% in one year

The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network grew by 23% in the last year, according to DfT figures.

There are now 86,021 chargers on Britain’s roads, which includes over 17,356 rapid/ultra-rapid chargers that can charge a car to 80% in just 20-40 mins. 

The rapid growth – particularly in Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, the West Midlands and East of England – means drivers can travel to popular destinations such as York Minster, Caerphilly Castle and Norwich Cathedral, knowing they can stop off and charge up easily along the way. 

Between October 2024 and October 2025, the number of public EV charging devices in England outside of London grew by 23.4%, compared to 21.7% in London. 

There are currently over 6,000 (July 2025, Zapmap) open-access rapid and ultra-rapid chargers within one mile of the Strategic Road Network (England’s motorways and major A-roads). This means total charger numbers have more than quadrupled in the last three years, supporting EV drivers to take longer journeys. 

The data comes just days after the Government announced it will consult to cut red tape and make it easier for renters and residents without driveways to install home chargers. Plans could see drivers save £250 on planning fees and enable more households to run their car for as little as 2p per mile – that’s £2.50 from London to Birmingham. 

Vicky Read, chief executive, 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.”