The UK’s public charging network continued to expand rapidly in the first half of 2025 as new charge points and hubs went live.

A total of 8,670 new charge points were installed in H1 2025, a year-on-year increase of 27%, new Zapmap figures reveal. The EV charging infrastructure now spans 82,369 devices (or 110,486 when measured by electric vehicle supply equipment – EVSEs) at 40,479 locations.

Charging hubs – which are defined as six or more rapid or ultra-rapid devices at a single location – continue to show the highest growth, with 136 of them installed across the country in the first half of the year, bringing the total across the UK to 673.

Zapmap said their continued growth indicates the future direction for the EV infrastructure, with faster charging times, an increased focus on sustainable energy systems and locations which deliver enhanced amenities.

Installations of ultra-rapid devices also soared; the total number of such chargers, categorised by a power rating of 150kW+, has increased by almost 23% to 8,619 in the first half of 2025. Overall, ultra-rapid devices have seen 1,598 additions in the past six months, accounting for 18% of all installations, and for the first time now outnumber rapid devices.

The regional distribution of high-powered chargers also shows progress so far this year: nine out of 12 geographical areas of the UK now have over 1,200 50kW+ chargers and six of those have over 1,500. Of particular note, Scotland has seen 29% year-to-date growth in high-powered chargers and the North West 21%.

However, lower-powered charging devices continue to account for the lion’s share of the infrastructure. The UK now has 65,671 charge points defined as low-powered (slow / fast charge points powered at <50kW), representing just under 80% of the total.

Within this group, on-street charging devices – designed for overnight charging and aimed at drivers without off-street parking –gained 3,709 new additions in H1, bringing the total to 29,227. The majority of these (20,490) are located in Greater London, but other regions of the UK are now seeing far higher growth in the rate of on-street devices being installed. While London saw an increase of under 11% in the first six months of the year, the rest of the UK saw the number of on-street chargers increase from 7,106 at the end of December to 8,737 at the end of June, an increase of more than 25%.

Such growth is linked to the progress in the delivery of the LEVI (Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure) scheme with 80 LEVI funding projects underway, 19 of which are currently open to tender. Simultaneously, its predecessor, ORCS (On-Street Residential Charging Scheme) has continued to fund key infrastructure projects.

At a regional level, the North East has seen significant growth in charge points across all power ratings, with 40% year-on-year growth, with the East of England and West Midlands close behind with over 39% and 38% year-on-year growth respectively.

Jade Edwards, head of insights at Zapmap, said the EV landscape at the mid-point of 2025 looks significantly different to six months ago – in terms of the shape of the infrastructure, EV demand and availability and the legislative landscape.

“We’re always pleased to see strong growth in en-route charging and hubs, not just because they are so convenient for EV drivers on long journeys, but also because they provide high-visibility and help instil confidence for drivers looking to make the switch.

“Meanwhile, we’re now beginning to see LEVI funding awards feeding through the system, offering the 40% of people who do not have access to off-street parking increased opportunities to charge close to home and benefit from driving electric.

“We look forward to seeing what further measures the Government can introduce to make access to public charging more equitable.”

Vicky Read, CEO at ChargeUK, said the growth across the whole market means the sector remains on track for the Government’s ambition of 300,000 chargers by 2030.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see growth accelerating outside of the South East, with the North East, East of England and West Midlands seeing significant increases, as well as the continued rise in the number of high-profile and high-powered hubs to support en-route charging,” she added.

“To keep the rollout on track, and to ensure drivers have access to affordable charging, the Government can support the sector by equalising VAT on public charging to 5%, addressing the rise in standing charges, and extending the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation to include EV charging.”