UK Charging Ahead: 17,000+ New EV Chargepoints Added in the Past Year

Thinking about switching to an electric vehicle? There’s never been a better time.

In the past year alone, the UK has supercharged its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, adding over 17,000 public charge points — a massive 27% increase. This means that wherever you are in the country, you’re now more likely than ever to find a charger just a short drive away.

A Growing Network to Power a Greener Future

From the North East to the East of England and the West Midlands, charging options are expanding rapidly. Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood confirmed the significant growth and emphasised how this expansion is helping to eliminate “range anxiety” for current and prospective EV drivers.

“In fact,” she noted, “a new charge point is being added every 30 minutes. That kind of growth gives real peace of mind to people looking to make the switch.”

Big Incentives for Drivers

This news follows the government’s recent announcement of a £3,750 discount on new electric vehicles, part of a broader plan to make EV ownership more affordable. An additional £25 million is being invested to help more people install home chargers, potentially saving households up to £1,500 a year on fuel costs.

For perspective: running an EV could cost as little as 2p per mile — that’s London to Birmingham for just £2.50.

Backing British Industry

The UK government is putting its money where its mouth is, with a £4.5 billion investment into EV adoption and British car manufacturing. The aim? To secure the UK’s position as a global EV leader — a goal that’s already within reach. The UK was Europe’s largest EV market in 2024, with electric vehicle sales up 20% compared to the previous year.

Building for the Long Term

Experts are also calling for stable, long-term policies to ensure continued progress. Colin Walker of the Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) pointed out that while the growth is promising, sustained investment and policy clarity are key to keeping momentum.

Ben Nelmes, CEO of New AutoMotive, echoed that sentiment, saying, “This lockstep growth is the market and government working hand in hand. We’re paving the way for a zero-emission future on UK roads.”

Final Thoughts

Between growing infrastructure, strong government support, and increasing affordability, the EV revolution in the UK is clearly accelerating. Whether you're already driving electric or just starting to consider it, it’s becoming easier, cheaper, and more practical to plug in and go.