UK installs over 50,000 chargepoints in push for zero emission driving

The United Kingdom has reached over 50,000 public chargepoints installed across the country. The latest statistics, released today, highlight the rapid growth in charging infrastructure, providing electric vehicle (EV) owners with easier and faster access to recharge their cars.

The data, sourced from Zapmap and supplied to the Department, also reveals a remarkable 44% increase in public chargepoints compared to the previous year, resulting in a total of 52,602 charging options available to drivers. This surge in infrastructure is in line with the UK's determined efforts to become a global leader in reducing carbon emissions from transportation.

These figures come as the UK prepares to implement its ambitious plan to achieve zero emission vehicles by 2035. The upcoming zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, scheduled to take effect next year, mandates that 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain must be zero emission vehicles by 2030.

This regulatory framework positions the UK as a frontrunner in the transition to EVs, on par with other major economies such as France, Germany, Sweden, and Canada. By aligning with these global leaders, the UK is reaffirming its commitment to creating a sustainable future for transportation and fostering investment in the charging infrastructure.

The introduction of the ZEV mandate not only propels the nation towards a greener future but also safeguards skilled jobs within the automotive industry. By granting certainty to the private sector, businesses are encouraged to scale up their investments in charging infrastructure, thereby accelerating the adoption of EVs and ensuring the UK remains on track to achieve its goal of 300,000 public chargepoints by 2030.

Technology and Decarbonisation Minister Anthony Browne said: “Passing 50,000 public chargepoints is a key milestone in our journey to zero emission driving and shows the incredible progress we’ve made to provide the infrastructure for drivers to go electric.  

“With Government and private sector investment, we are backing drivers by expanding our charging network – creating jobs and putting us well on the way to our target of 300,000 public chargepoints by 2030.”