Zapmap data shows growth in the number of EV charging devices

Zapmap has released new statistics showing that by the end of June 2024, more than 64,000 public charging stations will be available to electric vehicle (EV) drivers.

This represents a net increase of 11,195 chargers over the past six months and represents an overall year-on-year increase of 46%.

New Zapmap data shows that in addition to the increase in the total number of devices, the number of charging points installed also increased in 2024.

For example, in 2023, an average of 1,387 charging devices were installed per month in the UK. In the first half of 2024, this number increased to 1,865 per month. As a result, the installation rate in 2024 increased by around 34% compared to 2023.

When it comes to ensuring drivers can charge while on the move, the number of fast and ultra-fast chargers (50kW and above) has increased by 49% since June 2023. There are now over 12,551 of these chargers across the UK.

The new statistics also show that charge point operators are responding to growing demand for faster charging when drivers are on the way to their destination.

Indeed, operators are steadily installing 150kW+ chargers, which typically add about 100 miles of range in 20 minutes. There are now 5,416 of them nationwide. That’s more than double the number in June 2023, and a 114% increase.

Geographically, Zapmap’s statistics show that all areas of the country have shown good progress in terms of 150kW+ chargers. The North West has shown particularly strong growth (up over 178%), as has the South West (up over 163%). Wales and Northern Ireland have also shown significant growth, albeit from a low base, showing increases of over 180% and over 388% respectively.

In addition, the statistics show that the area of ​​greatest growth was the number of efficient charging hubs. More than 120 new charging hubs have been installed since the end of 2023, with the number increasing from 264 to 386 at the end of June.

The numbers do not include Tesla locations, which are not yet available to drivers of other brands. Zapmap defines hubs as locations with six or more fast or ultrafast charging units.

Additionally, Zapmap data reveals a steady increase in the number of lower-power chargers designed for overnight charging on residential streets.

In addition to the estimated 800,000 charging points installed in homes across the UK, on-street charging points are steadily emerging across the UK to support drivers who are unable to charge their car at home. Almost 3,500 new on-street chargers were installed in the first half of 2024, taking the total to 23,290.

In particular, most new on-street chargers are concentrated – and continue to be installed – in Greater London: there are now 17,269, compared to 10,894 in June last year. This represents a 59% increase.

Elsewhere in the UK, the availability of on-street chargers remains uneven. Some areas, such as Coventry, Brighton and Liverpool, have a higher number of on-street chargers, while elsewhere the availability of on-street chargers remains limited.

Outside London, there are now 6,021 on-street chargers, up from 3,737 this time last year. Although the increase is 61%, this positive growth comes from a low base.

Meanwhile, the government’s LEVI (Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) funding continues to be rolled out across local authorities. 49 “Tranche 1” local authorities have already received funding and are moving through the procurement phases. Authorities in “Tranche 2” have until mid-July to submit their applications. Looking ahead, this should result in a significant increase in on-street availability in 2025.

Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-Founder and COO at Zapmap, said:

“The last six months have been incredibly positive for the UK’s public charging infrastructure – not least because electric car drivers across the country now have access to more than 11,000 additional charging points.

“Drivers who want to switch to electric but are not yet sure need to be sure that the public charging network is available to them, especially on longer journeys. That’s why it’s great to see such progress in on-the-road charging, as well as the deployment of so many highly visible charging centres.

“Our mission at Zapmap is to make it easier for drivers to charge their electric vehicles on the go, and the continued expansion of the public charging network makes this much easier.”

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, said:

“ChargeUK, the voice of the UK’s EV charging sector, welcomes this new data from Zapmap. Continuing this incredible growth in the number of charge points should give EV drivers confidence that the network they need is available to them.

“ChargeUK looks forward to working with whoever forms the new government to build on this momentum and ensure that the availability of charging services outstrips demand.

“Our manifesto, published in May, sets out the actions needed – help us build even more public chargers by removing barriers, support us in offering affordable charging by equalising VAT, and maximise our investment by accelerating and clarifying public funding.”

Lead photo courtesy of Fastned.

Related