Milestone Achieved: UK Surpasses 10,000 High-Powered Electric Vehicle Chargers

The United Kingdom has reached a significant milestone in its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure development, with the installation of the 10,000th rapid and ultra-rapid EV charger. Located at Sedbergh Leisure Centre in Bradford, this achievement is part of the expanding GeniePoint charging network. New data from Zapmap reveals that this milestone signifies more than just a numerical achievement; it reflects the accelerating growth of the UK's EV charging landscape.

As of the latest figures, there are now over 10,000 rapid and ultra-rapid charging devices spread across 5,000 charging locations nationwide. What's even more noteworthy is the increased pace of charge point installations. In November 2022, the overall growth of the UK's public charging network was at an impressive 34% year on year. Fast forward a year to November 2023, and this growth rate has surged to an even more remarkable 45%.

Zapmap's data also sheds light on the evolving landscape of charging technology. The power rating of newly installed charge points is on the rise, with devices boasting 100kW or more becoming increasingly prevalent. To put this in perspective, at the end of 2020, there were 788 devices in the UK with a power rating of 100kW or more, constituting 20% of the country's high-powered chargers. In contrast, the latest data indicates a substantial increase, with 4,504 devices of 100kW or more, now comprising a substantial 45% of high-powered devices across the country.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and chief operating officer at Zapmap, emphasises the importance of this achievement for electric car drivers. She notes that surpassing the 10,000 high-powered charging devices mark is a significant development, providing electric car drivers across the country with more confidence in their ability to travel during the festive season.

The growth trajectory is evident when looking at past milestones. The UK reached 4,000 high-powered devices in January 2021, followed by the 6,000 mark in June 2022. Remarkably, less than a year later, in May 2023, the country surpassed 8,000 high-powered devices. This exponential growth underscores the commitment to and demand for EV infrastructure.

Notably, high-powered devices are increasingly concentrated in charging hubs, defined by Zapmap as groups of six or more rapid or ultra-rapid devices. A year ago, there were 99 open-access charging hubs. As of the end of November 2023, this number has more than doubled to 239, showcasing the development and proliferation of centralized charging locations.

Jade Edwards, head of insights at Zapmap, highlights the significance of the milestone. Beyond illustrating the acceleration in charge point installations, she points out that the data indicates the increasing prevalence of the highest power devices, specifically those with a power rating of 100kW or more. From accounting for a fifth of high-power devices in December 2020, these robust chargers now represent almost half of the UK's high-powered chargers, offering quicker charging times for EV drivers heading home for Christmas.

In conclusion, the UK's achievement of surpassing 10,000 high-powered EV chargers is a testament to the nation's commitment to sustainable transportation. The growing number of charging locations, coupled with higher-powered devices, not only enhances the convenience for current EV drivers but also encourages the adoption of electric vehicles by addressing charging infrastructure concerns. As the festive season approaches, this milestone is a gift to electric car drivers, providing them with the confidence to embark on journeys across the country with ease.

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