UK EV Charging Network Accelerates with 85,000+ Public Charge Points

Welcome to Net Zero News, your daily briefing on the UK’s transition to a low‑carbon future.

The UK’s journey toward zero‑emission transport continues to pick up pace, with the public EV charging network surpassing 85,000 charge points as of the end of August 2025. High‑powered rapid and ultra‑rapid hubs are spreading rapidly across the country, while infrastructure rollout in underserved regions shows promising gains. At the same time, funding schemes are being extended to support workplace, school and residential charging installations, reinforcing the government’s commitment to accessibility and equity in EV transition.

According to Zapmap data, the UK public charging network now accounts for 85,163 charge points, deployed across 42,970 locations, representing a significant milestone in the scale‑up of EV infrastructure. In August alone, 1,234 net new devices were added, including 212 rapid or ultra‑rapid chargers. The surge in on‑street charging was notable, with 899 new devices installed during that month.

Looking back further at the first half of 2025, infrastructure growth accelerated strongly. A total of 8,670 new charge points were deployed in the first six months, reflecting a 27 percent year‑on‑year rise. The number of ultra‑rapid devices (150 kW+) climbed by nearly 23 percent, boosting the total to 8,619 across the UK. Charging hubs locations with six or more rapid or ultra‑rapid chargers also expanded by 136 new hubs, bringing the UK total to 673.

Further confirmation of ongoing momentum comes from October 2025 data. In that month, another 777 net new chargers were added, including 378 rapid or ultra‑rapid devices. The UK’s charging device total reached 86,798 across 44,142 locations, up 22% year‑on‑year. Notably, ultra‑rapid charger numbers jumped by nearly 50 percent compared to October 2024, signalling strong expansion of high‑speed infrastructure.

Regionally, infrastructure growth is becoming more evenly distributed. In mid‑2025, Scotland recorded a 29 percent increase in high‑powered chargers, while the North West saw a 21 percent rise. By October, Wales demonstrated the strongest year‑on‑year growth in charging device stock at over 27 percent. These shifts suggest improving geographic coverage and greater access in historically underserved areas.

Beyond direct installation, government funding continues to play a crucial role. The Workplace Charging Scheme has been extended until March 2026. It now covers eligible organisations including businesses, charities and small accommodation providers at up to 75 percent of purchase and installation costs, capped at £350 per socket and a maximum of 40 sockets per applicant. Since inception, the scheme has funded nearly 60,000 sockets in workplaces (excluding schools) with a total grant value of £21.8 million. The Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant targeted at landlords, car park owners and renters or flat owners has also been extended until March 2026, having funded 17,394 sockets since April 2022, with a total value of £13.2 million.

Meanwhile, local funding is enabling substantial infrastructure growth. In the Midlands, 13 local authorities secured £40.8 million from the LEVI Fund to roll out over 16,000 new EV chargers, complementing the already impressive base of 10,000 existing public chargers in the area. The project supports EV access for those without off‑street parking, and extends into cities, towns and rural locations alike. In Brighton & Hove, the council is executing the UK’s largest on‑street charging programme with Char.gy, delivering over 6,000 street chargers in what’s described as a transformative £130 million investment.

Across the broader landscape, the UK continues to set and surpass records. Throughout 2024, over 20,000 new charge points were deployed (a 38 percent year‑on‑year increase), with ultra‑rapid devices growing 84 percent. Charging hubs grew from 264 to 537 in that year alone. By early 2025, the UK had already topped 70,000 public EV charge points a 37 percent increase year‑on‑year with both urban and rural areas showing strong growth.

What This Means:
The UK’s EV charging infrastructure is undergoing a rapid scale‑up, marked by record numbers of installations, especially in ultra‑rapid and hub formats, delivering quicker and more reliable access for EV drivers. Growth is extending beyond traditional strongholds such as London and the South East into regions including Scotland, Wales, the Midlands and Brighton & Hove, helping to address geographical disparities.
Government support through extended subsidy schemes and targeted regional funding is vital in sustaining this trajectory and broadening access to those without private charging options. If maintained, this infrastructure momentum positions the UK well on its path to meet the 300,000 public charge point target by 2030. Continued coordination between government, local authorities and private sector operators will be key to ensuring equitable and widespread EV adoption.

Upcoming Events:
Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference ‑16 June 2026, Edinburgh

Net Zero Nations Projects Conference ‑ 6 October 2026, Westminster

Do you have technologies, innovations or solutions that can help public‑sector net‑zero projects?
Email: lee@net‑zero.scot