The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution is accelerating, fueled by a record-breaking year of charging infrastructure expansion in 2023. Zapmap, the nation’s leading charge point mapping service, has revealed year-end figures painting a vibrant picture of progress, with the total number of public chargers surging by 45% compared to 2022.
This phenomenal growth translates to nearly 1,400 new chargers being installed every month on average, a staggering 89% increase compared to the previous year’s pace. By the end of December 2023, the UK boasted a robust network of over 53,906 public charging points, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to electric mobility.
But it’s not just about quantity. The nature of the chargers being installed is also undergoing a crucial shift. 2023 witnessed a remarkable 52% increase in high-powered charging devices, with almost 10,500 of these powerful units now strategically located across the country. This translates to quicker charging times and greater peace of mind for EV drivers embarking on longer journeys.
Leading the charge are ultra-rapid chargers, capable of delivering 100kW or more of power. These electrifying machines, which can add roughly 100 miles of range in just 15 minutes, have seen their presence skyrocket by 112% year-on-year, now accounting for a significant 46% of all high-powered chargers.
Furthermore, the number of charging hubs – boasting six or more rapid or ultra-rapid devices – has more than doubled since 2022, rising to 264 by the end of December. These strategically placed hubs, often found near key road networks but not limited to motorway services, offer convenient and rapid charging options for EV drivers on the go.
This rapid expansion across the charging landscape coincides with the introduction of the ZEV mandate and record sales of pure-electric cars in 2023. Almost 315,000 EVs took to UK roads last year, representing a 51% increase compared to 2022. This surge in EV adoption reinforces the need for a robust and accessible charging infrastructure, and the data suggests that the UK is stepping up to the challenge.
While regional distribution of high-powered chargers is still evolving, encouraging progress has been made. Greater London, South East, South West, and Scotland now boast over 1,000 rapid/ultra-rapid chargers each, and even areas like Northern Ireland, starting from a lower base, have witnessed commendable growth.
On the other end of the spectrum, low-powered on-street chargers, crucial for those without home charging facilities, have also seen a 72% increase. Regional disparities persist, however, with rollout heavily dependent on local authority engagement. The government’s £450m LEVI scheme is expected to bear further fruit in 2024, driving progress in this vital area.
Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder & COO at Zapmap, commented, “Overall 2023 was a very good year for EV charging with the rate of installation showing record growth, particularly for the higher powered chargers to support EV drivers on longer journeys.” She emphasized Zapmap‘s continued focus on providing reliable charging information to EV drivers, acknowledging that while most wouldn’t return to petrol/diesel cars, there’s still room for improvement in charger availability and overall experience.
Ian Johnston, chair of ChargeUK, echoed this optimism, stating, “These numbers can give drivers further confidence… Our members are putting charge points in the ground at record pace and will spend £6 billion before 2030 on ensuring the UK has the right charging solutions in the right place.” He further expressed ambition to go “even further and faster” in 2024, aiming to solidify the UK’s position as a leader in EV charging infrastructure.
As we move into 2024, the UK’s EV charging revolution is undoubtedly gaining momentum. With record-breaking growth, strategic investments, and a relentless focus on improving the charging experience, the future looks bright for electric mobility in the UK. The road ahead may still have its twists and turns, but one thing’s for certain: the UK is charging into the future at an electrifying pace.
