UK’s EV charging network accelerates as ultra‑rapid infrastructure expands

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

The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is advancing rapidly, supported by continued investment, policy backing, and technological innovation. In early 2026, revised metrics from Zapmap and the Department for Transport now report that the UK hosts 116,000 EV chargers, a marked increase over the roughly 88,000 previously recorded, attributed to improved tracking methods and category definitions aligning with international standards.

Charging infrastructure has seen robust year‑on‑year growth: between October 2024 and October 2025, the total number of chargers rose by 23%, adding around 15,000 devices to reach over 86,000 units. This includes more than 17,300 rapid and ultra‑rapid chargers capable of replenishing an EV’s battery to 80% in just 20 to 40 minutes.

Infrastructure enhancements are especially notable in accelerated charging hubs. These hubs defined as locations equipped with six or more rapid or ultra‑rapid chargers now exceed 600 nationwide, serving drivers on long journeys and signalling the future of high‑visibility, high‑speed charging facilities.

One network making significant strides is Ionity, which now operates over 700 ultra‑rapid (350 kW+) chargers across the UK approximately one third of the national total for that power category. Since starting 2025 with around 300 such chargers, Ionity has more than doubled its network and is on track to exceed 1,000 units by the end of 2026. Strategically positioned on major travel routes, Ionity’s ultra‑rapid chargers support charging from 10% to 80% in under 15 minutes and are powered entirely by renewable energy.

Charging infrastructure growth is also more widespread across the UK. Regions like Scotland, Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, Wales, and the East of England have seen some of the largest percentage increases in high‑powered charging provision. On‑street charging vital for households without off‑street parking grew substantially outside London, with gains of up to 40% in some regions.

Supportive funding and government policies continue to catalyse deployment. Notably, the Department for Transport has launched an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (EVI) Support Service run by Energy Saving Trust, Cenex, and PA Consulting that will launch by April 2026. This service offers training, guidance, and recruitment support, including funding for over 350 specialist EV infrastructure officers, and aims to assist public bodies in accessing schemes like LEVI and the Electric Vehicle Pavement Channels Grant.

Policy drivers are also evolving. The 2025 UK Budget introduced a ‘pay‑per‑mile’ tax for electric vehicles, set to begin in April 2028, raising an estimated £1.2 billion annually by targeting EVs at around half the rate of fuel duty for petrol vehicles. In tandem, the Government extended support for workplace and home charging through the Workplace Charging Scheme and the EV Chargepoint Grant until March 2026 benefitting both fleets and renters.

What this means:
– The surge in EV charger numbers spurred by both new installations and improved data tracking strengthens public confidence in the infrastructure necessary to support mass EV adoption.
– Ultra‑rapid networks such as Ionity’s significantly reduce journey times and increase EV usability for long-distance travel, while regional growth ensures more equitable access across the UK.
– Government support, including streamlined policy, funding, and guidance through initiatives like the EVI Support Service and LEVI, is enabling coordinated delivery of infrastructure and accelerating deployment.
– Emerging policies like the pay‑per‑mile tax highlight the need for long‑term fiscal frameworks for electrified motoring, while extended grant schemes continue to make charging accessible to diverse user groups.

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