In a significant push toward enhancing the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, the latest government statistics reveal a robust increase in the number of public charging devices.
As of April 2024, the UK has 59,670 public EV charging devices, marking a 49% increase compared to the previous year and an 11% increase compared to 01 January 2024.
The distribution of these charging devices varies across different power categories, with a notable focus on more powerful chargers. As it stands, 11,590 of these devices offer 50kW of power or more, accounting for 19% of the total installations.
Meanwhile, some 35,339 devices have a power rating of 3kW up to 8kW, representing 59% of all charging devices.
However, regional disparities in charging infrastructure remain, with London and Scotland leading in terms of charging device density per capita.
London, despite its lower growth rate, still maintains a high level of accessibility with 221 devices per 100,000 people, whereas Scotland offers 93 devices per 100,000 people, reflecting a proactive approach in both regions toward reducing emissions and promoting EV usage.
The geographical distribution also highlights an uneven spread with some regions lagging behind in the installation of high-powered charging devices. For instance, Northern Ireland records the lowest provision of 50kW and above devices at only seven per 100,000 people, suggesting potential areas for future development.
READ MORE: Growing north-south divide in England’s EV public charging infrastructure
Furthermore, the location of these devices is strategically planned to maximise accessibility and utility. The majority –27,583 devices (46%) – are located at destinations where drivers are likely to spend a significant amount of time such as shopping centres or leisure facilities.
Meanwhile, 22,199 devices are designated as on-street chargers, representing 37% of all charging devices.
Data for the statistics was provided to the UK Department for Transport (DfT) by EV and charging point platform Zapmap and was correct as at midnight on 01 April 2024.
The UK DfT’s next quarterly report is scheduled for release in July 2024.
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations are open now! Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
