There are now over 86,000 chargers on Britain’s roads

DfT: Number of public electric vehicle chargepoints has risen 23% during past year

The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network grew by 23% in the last year, bringing over 15,000 more chargers added to the network. 

Figures released by the Department for Transport show there are now 86,021 chargers on Britain’s roads, with 15,979 public chargepoints added to the UK network since October 2024. 

The total includes over 17,356 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers that can charge a car to 80% in just 20 to 40 minutes. 

Between October 2024 and October 2025, the number of public EV charging devices in England outside of London grew by 23.4%, compared to 21.7% in London. 

The growth of EV charger roll-out was particularly in Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, the West Midlands and East of England. There are currently over 6,000 (July 2025, Zapmap) open-access rapid and ultra-rapid chargers within 1 mile of the Strategic Road Network (England’s motorways and major A-roads). This means total charger numbers have more than quadrupled in the last three years, supporting EV drivers to take longer journeys. 

The data comes just days after the government announced it will consult to cut red tape and make it easier for renters and residents without driveways to install home chargers. ?The increase is complemented by the £25m scheme to help councils install cross-pavement channels for people without driveways, and the £381m roll-out of 100,000 more public chargepoints across England. 

Minister for decarbonisation Keir Mather said: “There’s never been a better time to go electric – chargepoints are up 23% in a year, and we’re helping drivers save with discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars, all part of our Plan for Change. 

“We’re also cutting red tape so renters and those without driveways can access affordable home charging, making it easier and cheaper for everyone to make the switch.”

Vicky Read, chief executive of ChargeUK, added: “The EV charging industry is pulling out all the stops to help drivers go electric, investing billions of private capital into high-quality charging — supporting the government’s ambitions for growth and decarbonisation in the process. 

“The vast majority of EV drivers use the public networks and an increasing number will be wholly reliant on them. Meaning we need the right mix of affordable and easy to access charging at home and at work, on-street, en-route and at destinations to ensure everyone can make the switch.”