UK sees sizeable 23% rise in electric vehicle chargers as network tops 86,000
- Perry Richardson
- Oct 31
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 3
The number of public electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints across the UK has grown by 23% in the past year, with more than 15,000 new chargers added to the network.
As of 30 October, there are now 86,021 public chargepoints in operation. This includes over 17,000 rapid and ultra-rapid devices capable of charging a vehicle to 80% in under 40 minutes. A new charger is being added every 33 minutes on average.
The growth follows the rollout of the £650 million Electric Car Grant. More than 25,000 drivers have benefited from discounts of up to £3,750 across 39 eligible models.
Regional figures show strong growth in Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, the West Midlands and the East of England. These increases are making it more practical for EV drivers to travel to destinations such as York Minster, Caerphilly Castle and Norwich Cathedral with reliable access to charging along the way.
Between October 2024 and October 2025, the number of public chargers in England outside London increased by 23.4%, slightly ahead of London’s 21.7% rise.
Data also shows that more than 6,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are now located within a mile of the Strategic Road Network, covering motorways and major A-roads. This marks a fourfold increase over the last three years.
The Government recently confirmed it is preparing a consultation to reduce planning restrictions for renters and those without driveways. The proposed changes could remove up to £250 in planning fees and make it easier for households to install their own chargers.
Alongside this, a £25 million scheme is supporting councils to fit cross-pavement charging channels. A further £381 million is earmarked to help deliver 100,000 more public chargepoints across England.
The combined measures aim to support wider EV adoption and help drivers reduce running costs, with the Government stating a full charge could cost as little as £2.50 for the journey from London to Birmingham.
Minister for Decarbonisation, Keir Mather, said: “There’s never been a better time to go electric – chargepoints are up 23% in a year, and we’re helping drivers save with discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars, all part of our Plan for Change.
“We’re also cutting red tape so renters and those without driveways can access affordable home charging, making it easier and cheaper for everyone to make the switch.”
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.”
