Zap-Map’s latest instalment of its EV charging statistics showed that 1,507 new public chargers were been added in November bringing the UK’s total to 36,752.
This is an increase of around 33% for EV chargers since November 2021. By adding more chargers to its network, the UK is catering for the growing number of EV drivers ahead of the internal combustion engine (ICE) sale ban which is set to come into effect from 2030.
Providing sufficient chargers for drivers is crucial in reducing “range anxiety” which may prevent potential drivers switching to EVs. Central to this is ensuring both private and public chargers are available for the growing uptake of EVs.
In particular, fast chargers have seen a sharp increase on the year before allowing EV drivers to charge their vehicle at much quicker times than using slow chargers. Zap-Map’s analysis showed the UK had 21,114 fast chargers at the time of publication, up from 16,047 in 2021.
Ubitricity has also been recognised as having the largest market share of public EV chargers across the UK with a total of 5,935, 16.1% of the current market. In second place is Pod Point with 4,717 (12.8%) and bp pulse with 2753 (7.5%).
These EV chargers have been developed and connected across the UK, with a greater share in Greater London (31.3%) and the South East (12.8%). This has called into question the geographic disparity of public EV chargepoints in the UK and whether it is ensuring those of all in come are able to benefit from these chargers.
Speaking exclusively to Current+, Zap-Map chief operating officer and co-founder Melanie Shufflebotham highlighted the disparity in EV chargers.
“Zap-Map’s latest EV Charging Survey shows that around 85% of EV drivers have access to off-street charging – versus around 60% of the overall population. This means there are already several hundred thousands of chargers installed at home, where EV drivers are able to do most of their charging,” said Shufflebotham.
“However, as EVs increasingly enter the mainstream, there will be an increasing proportion of drivers without this option, and the need for slower chargers on residential streets, or alternative local charging options, will only become more pressing.
“Given this knowledge and recent government measures such as the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, it should be possible to keep geographical disparity to a minimum in terms of charging provision. However, it is important that all local authorities engage and come up with a plan to support the needs of their local community.”
Data released by RAC Charge Watch claimed that the cost of charging EVs at public chargepoints increased by 42% since May due to the current energy crisis. Cornwall Insight also warned that when the Energy Bill Relief scheme ends in March EV charging could become “significantly more expensive” than filling a petrol or diesel car.