We've published new statistics on charge point installations across the UK. The new figures show that the country has surpassed 60,000 public charging points.
Operated by char.gy, the 60,000th charging device was installed on Natal Road, a residential street in Streatham, London. Ideally placed for electric car drivers in Streatham to charge up overnight, the 60,000th charging device reflects the encouraging growth of the country’s charge point infrastructure.
Indeed, the timing of the milestone illustrates a significant acceleration in the rate of charge point installation over recent years. April’s 60,000 charge point milestone follows hot on the heels of the 50,000 mark, which the UK surpassed in October 2023. In this case, the milestone installation was part of the MFG EV Power network, at a service station in Weston-super-Mare.
In addition, the new figures from Zapmap reveal that the overall rate of installation in the first four months of 2024 has increased by almost 37% compared with the average across 2023. The first four months of the year have seen an average of more than 1,900 devices installed every month, up from the 2023 average of 1,400 per month.
While the latest charge point milestone is undoubtedly an encouraging development, the 60,000 figure comprises a number of different types of chargers. Designed for a range of needs, these devices cover en-route charging for longer journeys, charging provision at destinations, as well as lower-powered charge points on residential streets for drivers unable to charge at home.
The 60,000th charging device was installed by char.gy on a residential street in London.
April’s milestone has been driven by particularly strong growth in two key areas of the country’s charge point infrastructure. For instance, Zapmap’s statistics show that the number of ultra-rapid devices – designed for en-route charging - has increased by 135% since April 2023. There are now 4,988 of these devices across the country.
Over the same time period, the number of low-powered devices on residential streets, used primarily for overnight charging, has increased by more than 54%. Charge point operator char.gy, which installed the 60,000th device, is just one such operator contributing to this growth. The company recently announced the installation of its 3,000th public charging point, with new charge points going live at a rate of around 400 per month.
Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder & COO at Zapmap, said:
“Hitting 60,000 public charging devices is an extremely significant milestone for electric car drivers across the country.
“This is really just the crest of the wave. There’s a real momentum behind the increased rate of charge point installations up and down the country.
“Without a doubt, it is great news for electric car drivers that not only the sheer number but also the variety of charging options are improving every month.”
Looking ahead, given the current rate of installation, Zapmap’s calculations show that the UK is likely to reach 100,000 public charging devices as early as August 2025.
Jade Edwards, Head of Insights at Zapmap, said:
“It’s fantastic to see that the strong pace of charger installations we saw last year is already being exceeded in 2024.
“These latest figures show encouraging growth right across the charging spectrum, from the lowest-powered charge points at the end of your street through to the speediest ultra-rapids on the motorway.
“With more than 135% growth in the number of the highest-powered chargers over the last year, and 343 high-powered charging hubs across the country at the end of April, the UK is well on the way to hitting 100,000 public charging devices in summer 2025.”
John Lewis, CEO at char.gy, said:
“We're delighted that a char.gy charge point is marking this significant milestone, in a year of remarkable growth, signalling a bright future for the UK's charging infrastructure. The new station on Natal Road in Streatham is just one of many in the area designed to replicate the convenience of home charging for residents without driveways.
“The early usage statistics for the newly installed charge point indicate strong residential demand. It already serves six local households and has powered over 1,200 zero-emission miles. These drivers have paid 13% less on average for these miles compared to their petrol and diesel-driving neighbours, and 44% less than they would have relying solely on rapid public charging.
Low-powered devices on residential streets are useful for overnight charging.
“When everyday charging is convenient and affordable, electric cars become a viable option for everyone. This is where we see on-street, hyper-local charging playing a crucial role. We look forward to partnering with more councils and developing networks that continue to accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.”
