The UK’s network of electric vehicle (EV) chargepoints has expanded rapidly over the past year, with over 15,000 new chargers installed — a 23% increase that makes it easier for drivers to travel confidently and sustainably.
As of 30 October 2025, there are now 86,021 public charging devices operating across the country, including 17,356 rapid and ultra-rapid units capable of recharging a car to 80% in as little as 20 to 40 minutes. On average, a new public charger is being added to Britain’s roads every 33 minutes, helping motorists save money by charging up instead of refuelling with petrol.
The expansion coincides with the success of the government’s £650 million Electric Car Grant, which has supported over 25,000 drivers in making the switch to electric vehicles, offering discounts of up to £3,750 on 39 eligible models.
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.”
Growth in charging infrastructure has been particularly strong across Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, the West Midlands, and the East of England, giving drivers peace of mind when travelling to major destinations such as York Minster, Caerphilly Castle, or Norwich Cathedral.
Between October 2024 and October 2025, public chargepoints in England (outside London) increased by 23.4%, slightly higher than the 21.7% growth seen within the capital.
According to Zapmap data (July 2025), there are now more than 6,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers within one mile of England’s motorways and major A-roads — a fourfold increase in just three years. This progress is helping more EV drivers complete long-distance trips with ease.
The update follows the government’s recent announcement to simplify regulations for renters and households without driveways who want to install home charging. The proposed changes could reduce planning fees by £250 and allow more people to run their EVs for as little as 2p per mile, or roughly £2.50 for a trip from London to Birmingham.
Further government investment includes a £25 million programme to help local councils install cross-pavement charging channels, and a £381 million initiative to deploy 100,000 additional public chargepoints across England.
Vicky Read, Chief Executive of 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.”
