Charepoint mapping service provider Zapmap has published its end-of-year figures for electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint installations across the UK for 2023.
2023 saw the rate of net new chargers increase to almost 1,400 devices every month – up from 730 net new devices each month in 2022. This represents growth of 89% in the pace of monthly charge points installations.
The total number of net new public chargers installed across the UK was 45%, up from 31% for the years 2021 to 2022.
Ian Johnston, chair of ChargeUK, said: “These numbers can give drivers further confidence. Our members are putting chargepoints in the ground at record pace and will spend £6bn before 2030 on ensuring the UK has the right charging solutions in the right place.
“But we intend to go even further and faster this year to make the UK the best place in the world to drive and charge an EV.”
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Zapmap also reported that nearly 315,000 pure-electric cars were sold in the UK last year, a 51% increase in EVs on the road when compared than at the end of 2022.
Last year, the rate of charger installations also increased. In October, the UK passed the milestone of 50,000 public charging points, having only surpassed the 40,000 mark in February 2023.
In parallel, the number of high-powered chargers grew by 52% in 2023 to a total of almost 10,500 devices across more than 5,000 locations at the end of December.
Most of the growth was from ultra-rapid chargers providing 100kW or more of power. Designed for drivers looking to recharge their vehicle as quickly as possible on longer journeys, these devices can add roughly 100 miles of charge in about 15 minutes.
The year-on-year growth in the number of UK charging hubs – more than six rapid or ultra rapid devices – rose from 108 at the end of December 2022 up to 264 by the end of 2023 – an increase of 145%.
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Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO at Zapmap, said: “Overall 2023 was a very good year for EV charging with the rate of installation showing record growth, particularly for the higher powered chargers to support EV drivers on longer journeys.
“Zapmap’s focus continues to be on providing EV drivers with the information they need to find reliable, available charging when they are out and about. Whilst less than three percent of EV drivers would go back to petrol/diesel, we know that EV drivers want more chargers and a better charger experience.
“As we move into 2024 we look forward to continued progress in both these areas as more and more drivers make the positive move to driving electric.”
Achievements and innovations in sustainable mobility will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Nominations officially open in March 2024. Please visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector.
