The UK’s public electric vehicle charging infrastructure increased 7% during the first quarter of 2022, although much more work is needed to meet targets for 2030. 

There were 30,290 public EV charging devices available in the UK as of 1 April 2022; up by 1,915 units compared to 1 January 2022 and passing the 30,000 milestone

New data from the Department for Transport (DfT) shows there were 30,290 public electric vehicle charging devices available in the UK as of 1 April 2022; up by 1,915 units compared to 1 January 2022 and passing the 30,000 milestone.

The number of rapid devices increased by 29%, with an additional 1,235 public devices – reaching a total of 5,494 rapid chargers. 

The latest figures mean that since 1 April 2021, the number of public devices has increased by 33%, equating to an extra 7,500 devices. And the number of rapid devices increased by 29% in the last year, bringing an additional 1,235 public chargers. 

All regions across the UK saw an increase in total charging devices between January and March 2022. London had the greatest increase at 9.4%, whilst Northern Ireland and the North West had the smallest rises at 0.9% and 3.7% respectively. London also had the greatest increase in absolute number of devices at 863 devices, contributing to 45% of the increase in devices across the UK in this period. 

Rapid charging devices also increased in every region in the UK in the first quarter of 2022. The smallest percentage increase in the number of rapid devices was in London at 1.9%. Northern Ireland had the largest percentage increase in rapid devices at 13.6%, with three extra rapid devices. 

But the DfT stressed that geographical distribution of charging devices within the UK remains uneven – and emphasised again that some UK local authorities have bid for UK government funding for charging devices, and others have not.  

It also pointed out that most of the provision of this infrastructure has been market-led, with individual charging networks and other businesses (such as hotels) choosing where to install devices. 

The DfT data reveals that London and Scotland had the highest level of charging provision per 100,000 of population as of 1 April 2022, with 111 and 54 devices per 100,000 respectively. In comparison, the average provision in the UK was 45 per 100,000. 

At the other end of the scale, Northern Ireland had the lowest level of charging device provision, with 18 devices per 100,000, followed by the North West and Yorkshire and the Humber with 26 and 27 devices per 100,000 respectively. 

And when it comes to rapid chargers, Scotland had the highest rate of device provision, standing at 13.6 rapid devices per 100,000 as of 1 April 2022, whilst the average provision in the UK was 8.2 per 100,000. Rapid device provision was lowest for Northern Ireland and Wales, with 1.3 and 5.8 rapid devices per 100,000 respectively.   

Matt Wills, associate partner and European head of forecourts and charging at OC&C Strategy Consultants, said that passing the 30,000 public charging points mark was a key milestone in the electrification of the UK’s motor industry – but added that the number needs to grow dramatically to meet growing demand as well as make EVs more accessible to lower income groups.  

“With the total EV fleet expected to equate to roughly a fifth of all vehicles on UK roads by 2030, there should be no illusions as to the scale of the task ahead.   

“The Government has set a target of having 300,000 charge points installed by 2030. Meeting this will require approximately 30,000 charge points a year to be installed, implying a major acceleration on the current rate of installation.  

“Greater provision of public charge points will also make EV ownership more attainable for lower and middle-income families, particularly when many are grappling with the rising cost of living. Despite a marked increase in the range and models of EVs on the market, they largely remain a product of the wealthy, in no small part due to greater off-street parking access.   

“For many current and prospective EV motorists, installing charging facilities at home simply isn’t possible. Removing this significant barrier will increase mainstream take-up.”

And while Jon Lawes, managing director, Novuna Vehicle Solutions, said the figures highlight the rate of development of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure as it races to keep up with accelerating demand, he warned that quality is just as important as quantity.  

“EV owners are all too often forced to factor in unnecessary extra hours to journey times due to slow charge points, so increasing the provision of rapid charge points (those at 22kW or above), which can cut charge times in half, is where we really need to see progress. While the figures demonstrate their total volume is growing, sky-rocketing demand for EVs means the current rate of growth will still leave motorists unduly waiting at forecourts and service stations. 

“Quick wins can be had by modernising what is already there,” he added. “Projects such as Gridserve’s recent landmark upgrade of the legacy Electric Highway EV network are exactly the type of tangible progress that will allow motorists to commit to longer journeys with confidence.”