UK’s EV Charging Network Accelerates: Transport Sector Powers Toward Net Zero

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

Britain’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure is expanding at pace, driving momentum in the push toward net‑zero transport. In the first half of 2025 alone, 8,670 new public charge points were brought online—a 27% year‑on‑year increase—raising the total to over 82,000 devices across more than 40,000 locations. Ultra‑rapid chargers (150 kW and above) accounted for nearly 18% of those, and their number rose by nearly 23% in just six months. Critically, the number of charging hubs—sites with six or more rapid or ultra‑rapid devices—has grown to 673.

Major cities like London are also making strides. Transport for London (TfL) now operates more than 2,000 zero‑emission buses—equating to around 20% of its fleet—a transformative leap from just 30 such buses in 2016. TfL aims for a fully zero‑emission bus fleet by 2030, expected to save five million tonnes of carbon over the next two decades. Complementing this, TfL’s climate targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative, including a commitment to reduce scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% and scope 3 by 45% by 2030, with a net‑zero target by 2040.

Major retailers are also stepping up. Marks & Spencer has integrated 85 zero‑ or low‑emission vehicles into its logistics fleet. These include battery‑electric HGVs and biomethane‑powered lorries, making up almost 10% of its total transport fleet. The deployment is part of the eFREIGHT 2030 demonstrator project, backed with substantial government funding.

Not all regions are progressing evenly. Research by a charge‑point operator reveals a north‑south split: 33% of local authorities across the UK lack formal EV infrastructure plans, rising to 40% in the North. Additionally, 70% of northern authorities cited insufficient funding as a barrier, compared to 45% in the south (excluding London).

Meanwhile, local and national policy support is strengthening. Zemo Partnership is preparing a “Map of Missing Policies” to pinpoint gaps in the UK’s road‑transport decarbonisation strategy, with a report expected in June 2025. Zemo had earlier formed a Council for Net‑Zero Transport, chaired by former CCC Chair Lord Deben, to align senior stakeholders behind strategic delivery efforts.

Looking ahead, funding is accelerating infrastructure development. In October 2025, Go Zero and Rolec secured a £100 million facility to install destination charging across hotels and leisure venues. That comes as Zapmap records a surge in charging hubs: by October 2025, the UK had 705 rapid‑charging hubs—an increase of 31% over the end of 2024. LEVI and local funding are also supporting targeted rollouts: Bolton Council plans 400 new public chargers by 2027 with a £2.3 million combined fund, while West Yorkshire is investing in 716 chargers supported by £1.4 million.

What this means:

The UK’s public EV charging infrastructure now stands among the most developed globally, boosted by strong growth in ultra‑rapid devices and hubs. This will accelerate EV uptake and support decarbonisation of road transport. London’s bus fleet progress signals how electrification can co‑deliver public health and climate benefits. However, disparities remain, particularly in the North, highlighting the need for greater funding equity and planning. The convergence of private investment, local authority funding, and strategic policy action—such as Zemo’s roadmap—is now setting the stage for a comprehensive, nation‑wide shift toward net‑zero transport.

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