EV Charger Installations 2024: A Comprehensive Overview

How Many EV Chargers Were Installed in 2024?

2024 was a big year for the UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging setup. A lot of new public charging points were put in place. Official statistics show that over 20,000 public charging devices were added. This brought the total number of available charging devices to more than 73,000 across the country. This is a 38% increase from 2023. It shows a strong commitment to supporting zero emission vehicles.

What Types of EV Chargers Are Available?

Slow, Fast, and Ultra-Rapid Chargers

EV chargers come in different types. They vary in their charging speed and power output.

• Slow Chargers (3-7kW): Great for home charging or in places where people live. You can often find these chargers on residential streets, and they work best for charging overnight.
• Fast Chargers (7-22kW): You can see these at retail car parks, places run by local authorities, and workplaces. They usually charge most EVs in 2 to 4 hours.
• Ultra-Rapid Chargers (150kW+): These are at motorway service areas and large hubs. They can charge a vehicle in just about 30 minutes, which is perfect for EV drivers on long trips.

Public vs. Private Chargers

Public charging devices are important for getting more people to use EVs. Private chargers at homes and workplaces also help a lot. But public infrastructure is very important for those who can't use private chargers. This includes people living in flats or homes that do not have driveways.

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Where Are New Chargers Being Installed?

Public Charging Hubs

Charging hubs, which are spots with six or more chargers, grew a lot in 2024. The number of these hubs doubled to 537 by the end of the year. They are set up in busy places like car parks and motorway service areas.

On-Street Charging

To meet the needs of people who own electric vehicles (EVs) in cities, on-street charging has grown a lot. Still, Greater London has 72% of the country's on-street chargers. This means areas like the North East and Northern Ireland have fewer charging options.

Destination Chargers

An estimated 12,000 chargers were put in at retail car parks, hotels, and leisure areas. This makes it easier for EV drivers to charge their vehicles while they run errands or have a meal.

What Are the Key Challenges in EV Charging Infrastructure?

Regional Disparities

The number of chargers in cities, especially in Greater London, shows that there are fair issues. Rural places and areas like the North West and Northern Ireland have fewer publicly available charging devices. This leads to so-called "charging deserts."

Power Grid Developments

The quick growth of public charging options is stressing the power grid. We need to invest in power grid developments to meet the rising need for electricity.

Standards of Trustworthiness

To be reliable, charging networks need a code of practice. This practice should ensure that chargers are kept up well, easy to get to, and work with all electric vehicles (EVs). Smart chargers are also coming in. They help to use power more efficiently, which is a big part of solving this problem.

How Does the UK Compare to Global Charging Networks?

The UK has many more EV charging points now, and they are increasing quickly. But how does this compare to other places?

European Union and United States

• The European Union has a strong network of chargers. Countries like the Netherlands and Germany are at the forefront of public charging stock.
• The United States is putting a lot of money into fast charging to help its increasing number of EVs.

Global EV Outlook

Countries around the world are focusing on building public charging infrastructure. The Global EV Outlook states that new ideas like battery swapping and electric road systems are becoming more popular.

Why Is Private Investment Important for Infrastructure Development?

Government funding is important, but private investment is essential for growing the UK’s charging network. Working together, public and private sectors can help speed up the installation of chargers, especially in areas that lack them. Companies are also putting money into fast chargers and ultra-rapid chargers to meet the needs of drivers who are short on time.

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What’s Next for EV Charging in the UK?

Smart Chargers and Innovation

Smart chargers are growing in popularity. They help EV owners to set their charging times for off-peak hours. This smart use saves money and balances the demand on the grid.

Focus on Local Level Developments

Improving infrastructure in local areas, especially where there are fewer chargers, is very important for fair access. Local authorities will be crucial in finding where help is needed. They can set up solutions such as slow chargers and fast chargers on residential streets.

Thinking of Buying a New Car or EV in 2024?

If you are thinking about buying a new car or switching to an electric vehicle (EV) this year, it's important to look into your car finance options. More people are choosing zero-emission vehicles. Also, the UK is building more public charging stations. This makes it a good time to invest in an EV.

At Free Price Compare, we help you find the best car finance deals based on what you need. If you want personal loans, lease agreements, or hire purchase options, our platform lets you easily compare quotes from top providers.

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What impact will government policies have on EV charger installations in 2025?

• In 20254, government policies will play a big role in how EV chargers are installed.
• There may be incentives or rules to encourage growth.
• This can lead to a large increase in installations.
• Laws will match the rising need for EV infrastructure.
• This will help more people adopt EVs and make charging easier in different areas.

Correct as of 10 January 2025