The UK surpasses 100,000 public EV chargers — Are we on track for 2030?

  • UK reaches 100,000 public EV chargers, with rapid growth and strong momentum toward the 2030 goal of 300,000.
  • Local projects lead the way, including Suffolk’s plan to install 6,000 on-street chargers and LEVI funding support across regions.
  • InstaVolt’s Winchester Superhub showcases the future of EV charging, with ultra-rapid chargers, solar power, battery storage, and lower off-peak rates.

The UK hits an incredible 100,000 milestone for public EV chargers as the nation’s march to 2030 intensifies 

There are now more than 100,000 public EV charge points across the country, according to a new report from Octopus Electroverse.​

The pace of growth is impressive. Over the past six months, a new charger has been installed every 13 minutes. Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers—capable of powering a vehicle in as little as 20 minutes—are expanding the fastest. They now make up 24% of the total public charging network.​

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UK public EV chargers

The UK government needs 300,000 public chargers in place by 2030. Current trends suggest the nation is on track to meet that goal.​

Be.EV CEO, Asif Ghafoor, commented:

“This milestone is a cause for celebration and helps to prove that the narrative surrounding range anxiety is nonsense. I regularly travel to EV charging sites all across the country and I’ve seen hardly any queues. There’s clearly enough infrastructure out there for EV drivers at the moment, and we’re well on track to keep pace with demand.”

By comparison, the number of petrol stations continues to decline. Only around 8,300 remain, highlighting the country’s shift toward cleaner transport.​

Matt Davies, Director at Octopus Electroverse, commented:

“This milestone shows we are building real momentum behind electric driving in the UK. Drivers can now trust there is a charger at almost every twist and turn of the road – making plugging in an EV feel as easy as charging up your phone.

We’re well on track to turning the government’s 300,000 target by 2030 into a reality. And with new rules raising standards on reliability and ease of use, drivers can feel more confident than ever.”

Electric vehicles are also becoming more accessible. Leasing deals now start from just £200 a month through salary sacrifice programs. EV sales hit record highs last month, with more battery electric vehicles registered than ever before.​

Octopus Electroverse has played a key role in the UK’s EV infrastructure growth. Launched in 2020, it is now Europe’s largest EV charging platform. It supports about half of UK electric car drivers and thousands more across Europe.​

Local councils are also joining the push. Through the LEVI fund, areas from Brighton to the Midlands and North West are securing millions to install on-street charge points.

Gill Nowell, Director of Emobility at Green.TV Media commented:

“This is about more than just infrastructure – it’s about clean air, making local charging options visible to encourage even greater EV uptake, and enabling the shift to zero tailpipe emission transport at a scale never seen before.”

InstaVolt’s Winchester Superhub exemplifies the future of EV charging. Located near the A34 and M3, it features 44 ultra-rapid 160kW chargers.

Asif Ghafoor continued:
UK public EV chargers

“We also need more signposting on roads and motorways, which will help to bring an end to the outdated reliance on chargers at motorway service stations. Many drivers use their car or apps for this, but signposting will help drive behaviour change and encourage drivers to find better EV charging hubs outside of where they used to refuel. Many are located less than ten minutes away from motorways, where the chargers are less busy (and the food and drink is cheaper). 

What we need to challenge is the perception of poor range. It’s clear that there are more than enough chargers, we just need to do a better job of letting drivers know that this is the case. Signs that actually tell them where they are would go a long way.”

With nationwide efforts picking up speed, the UK’s road to a cleaner, electric future is looking brighter than ever.

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