A survey conducted by Electrifying.com, involving 11,500 drivers, revealed that 70% lack confidence in the UK's charging infrastructure. The report not only emphasizes concerns surrounding lack of chargers, but also highlights that the existing charging infrastructure is not accessible. Individuals with disabilities often face challenges, such as high curbs and heavy cables, while public safety issues arise from charging points located in obscure, poorly lit areas that can feel unsafe.

 

Does the UK have enough public charge points?

Those unfamiliar with public charging facilities may not realize how the UK's infrastructure is developing. As of the end of October 2024, there are 71,459 EV charging points spread across 36,060 locations, totalling 108,633 connectors nationwide.

In comparison, the United Kingdom has just 8,353 petrol stations.

Despite having over 27,000 more EV charging locations than petrol stations, a persistent perception remains that there are insufficient public EV chargers and that the UK's infrastructure is inadequate.

This viewpoint may stem from Electrifying.com's research, which suggests that if drivers cannot see the charging infrastructure, they feel it is unavailable for their use, undermining their confidence in making the transition from their petrol or diesel vehicle, to a fully electric car.

This is understandable. Petrol stations are widely available, with nearly every town, many villages, and every city housing at least one forecourt. While some locations now provide EV chargers, not every town offers public charging options. Petrol stations are typically positioned along busy roads, at service station exits, and in supermarket car parks, making them easily accessible and highly visible. In contrast, EV chargers are often tucked away in car parks or located in less prominent areas of service stations, with only a few charging points instead of a dedicated forecourt.

However, this landscape is changing. Currently, there are 486 rapid charging hubs in the UK accessible to all EVs. According to Zapmap, a charging hub is defined as a site featuring at least six rapid (50kW-149kW) or ultra-rapid (150kW+) chargers. There are currently four Gridserve Electric Forecourts, 2 with granted planning permission and 3 more in the planning stage.

The variety of charging points, differences in charging speeds, and whether the installed charging stations meet the needs of EV drivers may also contribute to these concerns. For instance, a slow charger at a supermarket won't provide a substantial charge during the time it takes to complete shopping, whereas a rapid charger could deliver a 20-80% charge in half an hour.

Currently, most installed charge points are low-powered devices, primarily under 8kW, typically found on streets, in car parks, at hotels, or other long-stay destinations. However, ZapMap indicates a significant trend toward the installation of higher-powered ultra-rapid chargers of 150kW and above.

As of October 2024, there are 13,953 rapid or ultra-rapid charging devices across 5,857 charging locations in the UK.

New initatives are contributing to the improvement of UK charging infastructure and the publics transition to EVs. 

To support those without off street parking, who rely on access to on street charging solutions to regulalry charge their EV, initiavties such as Shell and Ubitiricty - Lampost and Bollard Charge Points, trials in collaboration with Kerbo Charge, for on street cable gullys and Apps such as CoCharger which allows neighbours to share home charging points are working to improve charging infrastructure in residential areas.  

The Workplace charging scheme is supporting employeers to install charging points for their employees to use and BSI, Motability and Office for Zero Emission Vehicles have have developed the : PAS 1899:2022 Electric Vehicles - Accessible Charging - Specification providing guidance for the improved design and installation of charging points. 

With the continued expansion of charge point installations and suppliers working to meet the Government's target of 300,000 public charge points by 2030, efforts to align charging capabilities and accessibility with current and future driver needs are underway.

 

 

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