Electric vehicle drivers across England are witnessing a dramatic transformation in charging infrastructure, with new data revealing the pace of installation has reached a new charger every 33 minutes.
Unprecedented Expansion of Charging Network
Since October 2024, an impressive 15,979 public chargepoints have been added to the UK network. This massive rollout means there are now more than 86,021 chargers available to motorists nationwide, significantly improving accessibility for current and prospective EV owners.
The Labour Party government is driving this change, backing the sector with more than £381 million in funding. This investment aims to deliver an additional 100,000 chargers while boosting British industry, creating jobs, and powering economic growth as part of their 'Plan for Change'.
Rapid Charging and Financial Incentives
Among the newly installed infrastructure are over 17,356 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. These powerful units can charge an electric car to 80% capacity in just 20 to 40 minutes, addressing one of the key concerns for drivers considering the switch to electric.
This infrastructure expansion coincides with the launch of the £650 million Electric Car Grant, which has already assisted more than 25,000 drivers in transitioning to electric vehicles. The grant provides discounts of up to £3,750 on 39 different EV models.
Government and Industry Commitment
Minister for Decarbonisation, Keir Mather, stated: "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."
He added: "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 of ChargeUK, commented on the industry's role: "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."
Read emphasised the importance of this infrastructure: "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."
