The UK’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network saw robust growth in 2025.

It reflects the rapid pace of EV adoption, but also the government investment in the new technology as the 2030 motoring emissions target approaches.

This expansion of the charging infrastructure to support drivers nationwide is an essential tool for encouraging EV sales.

On a charge

According to the latest data from Zapmap, a leading charge point mapping service, almost 14,100 new public charge points were installed last year, driving the total to 87,796 devices at 45,033 locations across the UK.

This represents a year-on-year increase of just over 19%. 

The expansion covers all types of charging infrastructure, from slow and fast destination chargers at supermarkets and leisure sites to high-powered units designed for rapid top-ups on longer journeys.

However, the strongest growth came from ultra-rapid chargers, those capable of delivering 150kW or more, which rose by around 41% compared with December 2024.

These devices, often installed at motorway hubs or strategic routes, now number nearly 9,900 nationwide and are crucial in reducing “range anxiety” for long-distance EV travel, while improving the convenience of short charge times.

Zapmap’s figures also show that the number of charging hubs, locations with six or more rapid or ultra-rapid units, grew by 39% in 2025, bringing the total to 748.

Such hubs are designed to serve multiple vehicles simultaneously, providing convenience for drivers planning longer trips or needing faster turnaround times. 

Nationwide service

The data suggests that growth is also becoming more geographically balanced across the UK.

While Greater London remains a major centre of the charging network, with tens of thousands of on-street and destination chargers, high-powered charging installations have increased significantly in regions, including the North West, East of England and Wales.

This development is easing concerns about a “postcode lottery” in access to fast EV charging outside major conurbations.

On-street charging, aimed at drivers without access to a private driveway or garage, also expanded notably.

Around 7,600 new on-street charge points were added in 2025, bringing the total to more than 33,000.

As the shift to EVs continues, this category is seen as essential to ensuring drivers in flats, terraced housing or rental properties can make the transition without barriers.

Growing satisfaction

Industry voices welcomed the overall trend but emphasised that quality, accessibility and equitable distribution matter as much as headline totals.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and chief operating officer at Zapmap, said that while installations were lower than in 2024, a record year, the sector showed “targeted areas of focus” responding to driver needs.

She highlighted the growth in ultra-rapid charging as a key confidence booster for the next wave of EV buyers and called for continued progress on near-home charging, especially for those without private parking.

Officials also point to broader trends in the EV market.

Zapmap’s annual driver survey found that average satisfaction with the public charging network rose to 69% in 2025, with more than half of EV owners using public chargers at least once a month.

This usage reinforces the importance of public infrastructure even as most charging still occurs at home.

Despite the gains, some industry observers note challenges ahead.

Delays in the rollout of the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, intended to accelerate on-street charging installations, have been flagged as a bottleneck.

However, awards and contracts late in 2025 are expected to begin translating into more chargers on the ground in 2026 and beyond.

Plugging in to the future

The UK’s expanding public charging network sits alongside continued growth in EV sales.

In 2025, pure-electric cars accounted for more than a quarter of all new vehicle registrations, underscoring the importance of reliable, widespread charging infrastructure to support the transition away from petrol and diesel.

For motorists considering or already driving EVs, the nearly 20% growth in charging points means better access, reduced wait times and greater confidence for longer journeys.

But industry leaders say continued investment, policy support and strategic deployment will be critical to keeping pace with rising demand and ensuring infrastructure keeps up with future EV uptake.