The UK has reached a significant milestone in its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with the number of public chargers surpassing 75,000. This achievement is a testament to the government’s commitment to supporting the growth of the EV industry, with £200 million invested in the rollout of public chargers.
The rapid expansion of the public charging network, with a new charger installed every 29 minutes, is making it easier for people to own and drive EVs. This, combined with the growing number of domestic chargepoints – over 680,000 are now installed in people’s driveways – is helping to alleviate range anxiety and make EVs a more practical option for many.
The government’s investment in the EV industry is part of a broader plan to support the transition to clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With over £2.3 billion committed to helping industry and consumers make the switch to EVs, the UK is well on its way to becoming a clean energy superpower.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander hailed the milestone as a “landmark day in our EV transition.” She emphasized that the government is committed to continuing to support the growth of the EV industry, with plans to roll out a further 100,000 on-street and local chargers in the coming years.
This expansion of the public charging network will focus on smaller towns and rural areas, where access to charging infrastructure can be limited. The £381 million allocated to the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund (LEVI) will help to address this issue, making it easier for people without a driveway to charge their EVs overnight.
The growth of the EV industry is also driving investment and creating jobs. Over £6 billion of private investment is in the pipeline, and the government is providing support for businesses and individuals looking to switch to EVs. For example, £120 million has been allocated to help drivers and businesses buy zero-emission vans, taxis, and electric motorcycles.
The increasing popularity of EVs is evident in the sales figures. February was a record month for EV sales, with one in four of all cars sold being electric. The UK was the largest EV market in Europe in 2024, with over 382,000 EVs sold – a 20% increase on the previous year.
As the EV industry continues to grow, it’s becoming increasingly clear that owning and buying an EV is becoming more affordable. One in three used electric cars are sold for under £20,000, and 21 brand new electric cars are available for under £30,000. Drivers can also save up to £750 a year compared to petrol cars if they mostly charge at home.
The benefits of EVs extend beyond cost savings. The average range of a new electric car is now 236 miles, making them a practical option for many drivers. EVs also produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than petrol cars, with emissions reduced by two-thirds over the lifetime of the vehicle.
As the UK continues to transition to EVs, the government is committed to making charging easier and more convenient. With 24/7 helplines, contactless payments, and up-to-date public chargepoint locations, charging an EV is now easier than ever.
