Ultra‑Rapid Charging Infrastructure Surges to Support Net‑Zero Transport

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In recent months, the UK has seen significant momentum in the development of ultra‑rapid electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, particularly within the transport sector aimed at accelerating net‑zero goals. A standout development is IONITY’s milestone: as of January 2026, the high‑power charging network has deployed more than 700 ultra‑rapid 350 kW+ chargers across the UK, more than doubling its network since the start of 2025. It now accounts for one in three of the nation’s ultra‑rapid public chargers, offering powerful 10 %–80 % charge times in under 15 minutes. The network is expected to exceed 1,000 chargers by the end of 2026, with new locations planned around Fort William, Inverness, Aston, and south Birmingham.

Meanwhile, the broader public charging landscape continues its upward trajectory. According to Zapmap data, the UK added 3,928 new charging devices in the third quarter of 2025, bringing the total to 86,021 across 43,507 locations a 22 % increase year‑on‑year. Ultra‑rapid devices (150 kW+) saw particularly sharp growth: there are now 9,290 such units, a 51 % rise since September 2024. Simultaneously, the number of charging hubs defined as sites with six or more rapid or ultra‑rapid chargers has grown to 663, with 212 new hubs introduced over the past year.

Commercial and fleet charging is also expanding rapidly. At the Port of Tilbury, Fleete is constructing what is believed to be the UK’s largest dedicated EV charging hub for heavy goods vehicles and commercial fleets. Scheduled to launch in December 2025, the 5 MW shared‑user hub will offer 16 rapid chargers operational 24/7. Additionally, First Charge has extended its commercial EV charging service via Allstar’s network, providing low‑cost, ultra‑rapid depot charging access to bus depots nationwide and enhancing convenience for fleet operators.

A further notable step is First Bus’s “Paua Share” scheme, offering third‑party fleets shared access to its depot charging infrastructure. Eleven depot locations across the UK are now equipped with ultra‑rapid chargers (150–350 kW), all supported by renewable power and managed through a unified EV charging and payment platform.

Taken together, these developments illustrate a powerful acceleration in charging infrastructure deployment, encompassing public, commercial, and fleet use cases. Rapid ultra‑high‑power networks are being deployed across key routes and hubs, while innovative shared depot models are unlocking efficiencies for commercial operators. These trends are essential for decarbonising the transport sector and supporting the UK’s broader net‑zero ambitions.

What this means:

Ultra‑rapid charging deployment is rapidly scaling, delivering the speed and reliability needed for mainstream EV adoption while supporting long journeys and commercial operations. Fleet and depot innovations such as shared access models are reducing barriers to electrification for businesses. The combined expansion of public and commercial charging infrastructure is a critical enabler in the transition to zero‑emission transport, closing the gap between EV supply and demand and underpinning net‑zero targets.

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