The number of public charging points for electric vehicles has grown by a whopping 45% over the whole of 2023, the latest figures from ZapMap show. The figure is up from 31% for the years 2021 to 2022.
In October 2023, the UK passed the significant milestone of 50,000 public charging points, having only passed the 40,000 mark in February 2023.
Furthermore, 2023 saw the rate of net new chargers increase to almost 1,400 devices every month – up from 730 net new devices each month in 2022. This represents growth of 89% in the pace of monthly charge points installations.
Most of the growth was from ultra-rapid chargers providing 100kW or more of power. Designed for car drivers looking to recharge their vehicle as quickly as possible on longer journeys, these devices can add roughly 100 miles of charge in about 15 minutes.
Furthermore, the year-on-year growth in the number of UK charging hubs – more than six rapid or ultra rapid devices – rose from 108 at the end of December 2022 up to 264 by the end of 2023 – an increase of 145%.
These charging hubs are opening in a variety of locations, typically near strategic road networks. Interestingly only 20% are located at motorway services, and charging hubs can be found in a variety of locations from retail parks, car parks, fuel stations to dedicated charging areas which provide amenities for EV drivers.
Since 2022, Greater London, South East and South West have joined Scotland in having more than 1,000 rapid / ultra rapid chargers available, and nearly all geographical areas of the UK displayed good growth, notably Northern Ireland, albeit from a low base.
At the other end of the charging spectrum, low powered chargers to support those without charging points at home has also grown – there are 72% more on-street chargers than there were this time last year, although the rollout is regionally patchy and largely dependent on the engagement at a local authority level.
In 2023, however, there was good progress in the rollout of the government’s £450m LEVI scheme to support local authorities, and it is expected that 2024 will see further developments in this area.
