Boosting the UK’s 300,000 EV Charge Points by 2030

Welcome, Net Zero News readers! Today, we delve into the pressing topic of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, a critical component in our collective journey towards a sustainable future. As we approach the pivotal year of 2030, the demand for electric vehicles and the infrastructure that supports them is set to escalate dramatically. With government policies and consumer preferences favouring a shift towards greener transport solutions, the urgency to enhance EV charging networks has never been more pronounced.

As we navigate this transition, it is essential to recognise that while sustainable transport policies should encompass public transport, cycling, and other zero-emission vehicles, the challenges associated with moving from internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to EVs must also be addressed comprehensively. This is not merely about promoting cleaner vehicles; it’s about ensuring that the necessary infrastructure is in place to support widespread adoption.

To illustrate the scale of the challenge, consider this: as of 1st May 2025, the UK had approximately 79,000 public EV charging points. To meet the governmental target of at least 300,000 charge points by 2030, an additional 221,000 need to be installed within the next five years. With nearly 1.5 million electric vehicles already on UK roads and over half of drivers expressing a likelihood to choose an EV for their next vehicle, it is clear that significant changes are necessary to accommodate both current and future EV drivers. The imminent ban on new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030—and hybrids by 2035—will undoubtedly accelerate the number of EVs on our roads. However, research indicates that inadequate charging infrastructure is stalling this transition, leading to what many refer to as ‘charging anxiety.’ This term encapsulates the concerns of petrol and diesel drivers hesitant to make the switch due to uncertainty surrounding charging availability.

Lessons Learned from the EV Charging Experience

Over the years, a wealth of lessons has been accrued regarding charge point technology. One of the most pressing needs identified is for more reliable and rapid charging solutions. A staggering 83% of UK EV drivers have reported encountering issues with public charging over the past year, ranging from occupied stations to technical difficulties and payment complications. As the number of EVs continues to grow, the 32.8% of UK households—amounting to around 9 million—without access to a driveway will increasingly rely on public charging networks. This reliance exacerbates charging anxiety, as drivers are left wondering when and where they can power their vehicles.

Adding to the complexity of this situation, those who utilise public charge points currently pay a VAT of 20%, significantly higher than the 5% applied to domestic energy. This discrepancy highlights the urgent need for both technological and regulatory evolution within the industry to ensure its long-term viability. Recent studies reveal that public EV charging satisfaction hovers around 64%, indicating that charge point operators (CPOs) have ample room for improvement. By enhancing the driver experience, operators can not only boost customer loyalty but also increase revenue.

Investment in EV Infrastructure

Within the market, charge point operators are turning to hardware manufacturers to spearhead the necessary technological innovations that will enable the industry to meet governmental ambitions and fulfill driver expectations. To align with the government’s targets and encourage more individuals to transition to electric vehicles, CPOs must focus on improving reliability, charger availability, charging speed, and overall user experience. Furthermore, scalability, modularity, and efficient installation and maintenance processes must also be prioritised, alongside ensuring access to grid connections across various sites.

To adequately support the government’s aspirations, substantial investment in reliable rapid and ultra-rapid DC chargers is essential. What is required is not just a temporary fix but a long-term solution that addresses the needs of both current and future EV drivers.

Innovative Solutions for EV Charging

In light of these challenges, Petalite has developed and patented a forward-thinking technology solution designed to streamline the complexities of EV charging. Their innovative sinusoidal direct current technology simplifies the AC-DC conversion process, ensuring that power drawn from the grid’s AC three-phase supply is balanced through a singular conversion stage. This process encompasses power factor correction, rectification, galvanic isolation, and current regulation, which collectively enhance power distribution capabilities. The result? An improved charge point to site power ratio that offers the fastest possible charging speeds to drivers.

This revolutionary solution holds the potential to dismantle existing barriers hindering the transition to electric vehicles and facilitate the development of a robust, future-proof EV charging infrastructure. In doing so, Petalite aims to alleviate charging anxiety and accelerate EV adoption by providing simplified technology, dependable charge points, and scalable infrastructure that can expand in line with demand. This multifaceted approach is crucial for fostering a seamless transition to electric mobility.

Strategic Infrastructure Scaling

One of the major challenges facing charge point operators is determining the optimal rate at which infrastructure must be scaled. While an expanding network of charge points is likely to encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles, CPOs need to be confident that there is sufficient demand to justify their investments in infrastructure. By leveraging future-proof technology that consistently operates effectively, optimises site power, and prioritises user experience, operators can demonstrate the tangible benefits of driving an EV. This, in turn, should inspire greater confidence among CPOs to invest in infrastructure, creating a virtuous cycle that balances supply and demand harmoniously.

Conclusion

As we forge ahead into the electrified future of transportation, the importance of a comprehensive and reliable EV charging infrastructure cannot be overstated. Government targets, consumer expectations, and the urgent need to combat climate change all converge to highlight the necessity for action. By addressing the challenges of charging anxiety, investing in innovative technology, and fostering a collaborative approach among stakeholders, we can pave the way for a more sustainable and accessible electric vehicle landscape.

Let us remain committed to our mission of achieving net-zero emissions and championing the transition to electric mobility. Together, we can create a future where clean, sustainable transportation is not just a goal but a reality for all.

This article first appeared in the June 2025 issue of Energy Manager magazine. To keep up with the latest developments in energy management and sustainable transport, subscribe to our newsletter.