Zapmap figures reveal record growth of chargers
Charge point mapping service Zapmap has published figures for EV charge point installations in 2024, revealing another year of record growth.
The UK-based data shows that the highest growth was seen in ultra-rapid (150kW+) devices and charging hubs designed for drivers looking to recharge their vehicle as quickly as possible on longer journeys.
More than 20,000 new charge points were installed throughout 2024, bringing the total number across the country to 73,699 — a year-on-year increase of 38%. The rate of installation of charge points has also grown from an average of 1400 per month to 1650 per month.
The ultra-rapid segment saw an increase of 84% in installations since the end of 2023, rolled out at Motorway Service Areas and in varied locations, such as retail parks, car parks and farm shops.
There are now more than 7,000 150kW+ chargers, with a total of more than 14,000 over 50kW available, while the number of hubs (six or more 50kW chargers) rose from 264 at the end of 2023 to 537 at the end of 2024.
In terms of destination chargers, there are 12,000 additional chargers at restaurants, hotels, retail car parks and leisure areas across the UK.
On-street charging has grown, but 72% of these chargers are concentrated in Greater London. Many other areas such as Coventry and Liverpool also have good local availability, but overall provision at a local level is still variable, it reported.
There has been significant progress in the distribution of en-route chargers outside London though, with nine out of 12 geographical areas of the UK now have over 1,000 50kW+ chargers.
Zapmap’s annual driver survey, released last month, showed an average satisfaction rating of 87% for drivers of electric cars, with fewer than 3% saying they would return to a petrol or diesel car.
Melanie Shufflebotham, Co-founder & COO at Zapmap, said:
“Last year was another record year for charging infrastructure growth with en-route charging points in particular being installed ahead of the growth in electric vehicle sales.
“As we move into 2025, we can expect to see the benefits of the PCPR consumer regulations coming into effect combined with the impact of LEVI funded projects reaching local authorities and bringing more equitable access to charging devices.
“Confirmation on a strong and clear ZEV mandate, following the government’s recently communicated consultation, will also help to bring certainty and confidence to both infrastructure providers and UK drivers that the transition is happening now.”
Image from Shutterstock. Infographic courtesy of Zapmap.