UK Public Electric Car Chargers Increase by a Third in 2024, Surpassing 70,000
Surge in Electric Vehicle Chargers Amidst Slowing Growth
In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the United Kingdom, the number of public electric car chargers rose by more than a third in 2024. As of December 20, the total number of chargers reached an impressive 73,421, according to data from Zapmap. This increase, though notable, reflects a slower growth pace as the industry grapples with challenges such as government funding delays.
Growing Demand Despite Funding Hurdles
The charger installation companies are in a race against time to meet the demands of over one million electric cars currently on UK roads. The surge in installations comes amidst regulatory requirements compelling manufacturers to enhance their electric vehicle offerings annually. Despite the rapid growth, the pace at which new chargers are installed has decelerated, attributed partly to the sluggish dissemination of the local electric vehicle infrastructure (Levi) fund by the government.
Meeting National Targets: A Mixed Picture
The National Audit Office anticipates that the current trajectory of public charge point installations is on course to hit a target of 300,000 by 2030. Nevertheless, it raises concerns about the disparity in charger distribution, which remains overwhelmingly concentrated in urban locales. This urban-centric deployment stands as a potential bottleneck for widespread EV adoption across more remote and rural areas.
Market Dynamics and Investment Concerns
While nearly one in five new cars sold in Britain in 2024 was electric, the charger industry has faced slower than expected growth in EV demand. According to Zapmap, the number of public electric car chargers recorded a 36% increment in 2024, down from the 45% growth experienced in 2023. Industry insiders point to delays in the government’s Levi fund disbursement as a primary impediment to sustained growth.
Industry Response to Policy Changes
Vicky Read, the CEO of Charge UK, highlighted 2024 as a year of substantial growth yet noted a
