UK Public EV Charging Network Surpasses 120,000 Chargers

Public charging network grows to 120,388 connectors by April 2026

The UK’s public electric vehicle charging network passed 120,000 chargers at the end of April 2026. This represents an 11% increase on the previous year. Zapmap, which tracks the network, recorded exactly 120,388 public chargers across 93,394 devices at 46,333 locations nationwide.

The 120,000th charger was a 22-kilowatt AC unit installed by Raw Charging at Lydford Gorge in Devon. The National Trust site now offers visitors a charging point alongside its natural attractions. April alone saw 1,308 new chargers added to the network.

This growth continues the expansion of recent years, though the pace has varied. The network stood at 102,771 chargers by the end of 2024. By the end of 2025, this had risen to 116,052, adding 13,281 chargers across the year. That represented a 13% increase compared to 2024’s 19% growth rate, when 24,557 chargers were installed.

For context, the UK government committed £1.6 billion in March 2022 to reach approximately 300,000 public chargepoints by 2030. That target sits nearly five times higher than the number of traditional fuel pumps available at the time. The funding package included £500 million for community chargepoints and £950 million for rapid charging on England’s motorways.

Ultra-rapid chargers show fastest growth at 40% annually

Different types of chargers serve different purposes. Slower AC units suit longer stays at destinations like car parks or tourist sites. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers enable shorter stops on longer journeys. The network now includes over 13,300 ultra-rapid chargers, defined as those capable of delivering 150 kilowatts or more. This segment grew 40% year on year.

The UK has also passed another threshold: over 1,000 charging hubs now operate nationwide. These hubs contain at least eight rapid or ultra-rapid chargers at a single location. They provide the kind of capacity needed for busy motorway service areas and urban charging stations.

Three operators dominate different segments of the market. Shell Recharge Ubitricity runs the largest overall network, focused primarily on on-street charging. Pod Point leads in destination charging at sites like supermarkets. Connected Kerb has built extensive on-street coverage in residential areas.

Meanwhile, the rapid and ultra-rapid segment shows different leaders. MFG EV Power operates 2,866 high-speed chargers. Osprey follows with 2,547, then BP Pulse with 2,491. These operators focus on motorway services and major trunk routes where drivers need quick top-ups during longer journeys.

Counting methodology changes complicate direct comparisons

Recent changes to how the industry counts chargers have made year-on-year comparisons more difficult. Previously, operators counted individual sockets. Now, the focus has shifted to charging devices and connectors. A single device might have multiple connectors, each counted separately.

This shift affects how we interpret growth figures. Some of the apparent increase comes from recounting existing infrastructure under new definitions. However, the underlying trend remains clear: the network continues to expand, particularly in high-power charging suitable for rapid stops.

The distribution across the UK remains uneven. Urban areas, especially London and the South East, have much higher charger density than rural regions. On-street charging dominates in cities where residents lack private driveways. Rural areas depend more on destination charging at car parks, hotels, and tourist attractions.

Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland have smaller networks relative to their road networks and populations. Regional variations create practical challenges for drivers planning longer journeys. They also raise questions about equitable access to charging infrastructure as EV adoption spreads beyond early adopters in urban areas.

Progress toward 2030 target reaches 40% with four years remaining

The 120,000 milestone represents roughly 40% progress toward the government’s 300,000 target for 2030. With four years remaining, the current trajectory would fall short without acceleration. The addition rate slowed from 24,557 new chargers in 2024 to 13,281 in 2025, roughly half the pace.

This slowdown has raised concerns across the industry. EV registrations continue to climb, with over 300,000 new electric vehicles registered in 2024 according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. Each new EV adds demand to the charging network. If infrastructure growth cannot keep pace, drivers may face longer waits at popular locations.

Range anxiety remains a significant barrier to EV adoption. Potential buyers worry about finding available chargers, especially on unfamiliar routes. A dense, reliable network addresses this concern. Conversely, gaps in coverage or frequent queues at busy sites reinforce doubts about electric vehicle practicality.

The government has introduced regulations to improve the user experience. Since 2022, all new rapid chargers must offer contactless payment options. This removes the need for multiple apps or membership cards. Standardized payment makes charging more accessible to occasional users and those new to electric vehicles.

What business operators need to consider now

Companies with vehicle fleets face several practical considerations. Electric vehicles offer lower running costs per mile compared to petrol or diesel equivalents. However, businesses must ensure their operational areas have adequate public charging coverage. Fleet managers should audit typical routes and identify potential charging gaps.

Public sector suppliers face additional pressure. Procurement Policy Note 06/21 requires carbon reduction commitments from suppliers bidding on large government contracts. This includes managing transport emissions. Carbon reporting programs help suppliers demonstrate compliance with these requirements through credible emissions data.

Businesses with customer-facing premises might consider installing destination chargers. Retail parks, hotels, restaurants, and leisure facilities can attract EV drivers by offering charging while they visit. Several grant schemes support workplace and commercial charging installation, reducing upfront costs.

Transport emissions account for roughly 26% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas output. Road transport forms the majority of this figure. Consequently, electrifying commercial and passenger vehicles directly contributes to net-zero targets. Businesses reducing their transport emissions improve their environmental performance and potentially reduce exposure to future carbon pricing.

Supply chain considerations also matter. Companies relying on road freight should monitor charging infrastructure along key logistics routes. Gaps in heavy goods vehicle charging could disrupt deliveries as the freight sector electrifies. Some businesses may need to adjust logistics planning to accommodate charging stops, especially for longer routes.

Grid capacity and regional distribution remain key challenges

The National Grid faces growing demand from EV charging, particularly rapid and ultra-rapid units. A single 350-kilowatt charger draws as much power as dozens of homes. Charging hubs with multiple high-power units require substantial electrical capacity. Grid reinforcement costs can delay or prevent installations in some locations.

Regional imbalances create practical problems. Drivers in well-served urban areas might never think about charger availability. Those in rural regions or less-developed areas face genuine constraints. This disparity could slow EV adoption outside major cities, creating a two-tier transition.

Local authorities play a crucial role in addressing these gaps. They control on-street installations and planning decisions affecting commercial charging sites. However, councils face competing demands on limited budgets. Government grants help, but the process of identifying sites, securing permits, and arranging grid connections takes time.

The £1.6 billion government commitment should accelerate deployment if spent effectively. Targeting funds toward underserved regions and heavy-use corridors would yield the greatest benefit. Furthermore, ensuring different charger types meet varied user needs matters as much as raw numbers.

Infrastructure growth supports UK climate commitments

The UK government has committed to ending new petrol and diesel car sales by 2035. This deadline, originally set for 2030 and subsequently pushed back, requires a comprehensive charging network. Without it, consumers cannot confidently make the switch to electric vehicles.

Transport decarbonization forms a critical component of the UK’s legally binding net-zero target for 2050. Road vehicles contribute significantly to emissions. Battery electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions, though their full climate impact depends on electricity generation sources. As the grid continues decarbonizing, EVs become progressively cleaner over their lifespans.

Economic benefits extend beyond emissions reduction. The charging infrastructure sector creates jobs in manufacturing, installation, and maintenance. The £1.6 billion investment stimulates private sector activity, as operators build networks to serve growing demand. This economic activity concentrates in areas adopting EVs quickly, potentially widening regional economic disparities unless addressed.

Industry bodies, including Zapmap, emphasize that current growth rates must accelerate. They call for streamlined planning processes, better grid connection procedures, and continued financial support. Without these measures, the 2030 target appears increasingly difficult to reach. Missing that milestone would undermine confidence in the UK’s broader climate commitments.

Five essential facts about the UK charging network

• The UK now has 120,388 public EV chargers at 46,333 locations, representing 11% annual growth.
• Ultra-rapid chargers, those delivering 150 kilowatts or more, grew 40% year on year to exceed 13,300 units.
• Over 1,000 charging hubs with at least eight rapid or ultra-rapid chargers now serve drivers on major routes.
• The network’s growth rate slowed from 24,557 new chargers in 2024 to 13,281 in 2025.
• Current progress represents roughly 40% of the government’s 300,000 charger target for 2030, with four years remaining.

Practical steps for businesses managing transport emissions

Businesses should start by assessing their current transport emissions. This includes company vehicles, employee commuting where relevant, and goods transport. Understanding your baseline allows you to set realistic reduction targets and measure progress over time.

For organizations with dedicated fleets, electric vehicle trials can test operational suitability. Start with vehicles covering predictable routes with known charging opportunities. Pool cars, local delivery vans, and commuter shuttles often suit early electrification. Long-haul applications remain more challenging but continue improving as vehicle range increases.

Workplace charging installation benefits businesses with staff who drive electric vehicles. Training programs help facilities teams understand charging equipment specifications, electrical requirements, and maintenance needs. Grants can offset installation costs, though application processes require careful documentation.

Public sector suppliers must particularly focus on transport emissions. Procurement Policy Note 06/21 applies to contracts above certain thresholds. Compliance support helps businesses develop credible carbon reduction plans that meet buyer requirements without over-committing to unachievable targets.

Supply chain engagement becomes increasingly important as customer and regulatory pressure grows. Businesses may need to work with logistics providers on emission reduction strategies. This could involve route optimization, load consolidation, or vehicle specifications for contracted transport services.

Where to find detailed charging network information

Zapmap operates the most comprehensive public database of UK charging locations. Their website and mobile app show real-time availability, charger types, and pricing for most networks. Drivers can filter by connector type, charging speed, and payment methods. The service is free for basic use. Visit Zapmap’s EV statistics page for regularly updated network data.

The UK government publishes policy documents and strategy updates through the Department for Transport. The 2022 Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy outlines government commitments and funding programs. Updates appear on gov.uk as policies develop.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders releases monthly EV registration figures. These statistics help businesses understand adoption trends and forecast charging demand. Their reports are available at smmt.co.uk in the data section.

Local authorities often publish their own charging infrastructure plans. These documents reveal planned installations, priority areas, and timelines for specific regions. Check your council’s website for local strategies if you operate in particular geographic areas.

Energy suppliers and network operators provide information about grid capacity and connection processes for businesses considering charger installation. National Grid ESO publishes data on electricity demand patterns and future capacity planning, useful for understanding infrastructure constraints.