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EV & Sustainability

EV charging network grew 19% in 2025, says Zapmap

Ultra-rapid charging points (150kW and above) saw the most growth, at 41% when compared with December 2024.

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Figures released by Zapmap show that the electric vehicle (EV) charging network grew by 19% in 2025, with 14,097 new charge points installed.

Ultra-rapid charging points (150kW and above) saw the most growth, at 41% when compared with December 2024.

The number of charging hubs in the UK increased by 39% throughout 2025, for a total of 748 nationwide.

In late 2025, the UK EV charging network had 87,796 devices, with 9,893 of these being ultra-rapid, 8,042 rapid chargers (50kW-149kW) and the remainder being slow or fast chargers, with speeds under 50kW.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO at Zapmap, said: “While overall charging infrastructure installations are lower than 2024 — a record-breaking year — this year has been marked by targeted areas of focus with both public and private sectors giving thought to shaping the EV market to best meet driver needs. 

“The growth in ultra-rapid charging in particular is not only providing convenience and confidence to existing EV drivers but also, due to their typically visible locations, assuring the next wave of drivers looking to make the switch that the infrastructure is there where it’s needed most.

“As we move into 2026, we look forward to Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund awards translating from contracts into near-home charging provision, to increase equitable access for those without access to off-street parking.

“As the Government’s dedicated innovation fund to address concerns around timely access to grid connections takes effect, we can expect to see benefits to the charging infrastructure both in congested, high-demand areas and rural areas with limited grid infrastructure.”

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The strongest growth in 2025 was outside London and the South East. Northern Ireland, Wales and the East of England all saw growth of around 29% in the rapid and ultra-rapid charging categories.

7,659 on-street chargers were added in 2025, for a total of 33,177, although 24,026 of these are in Greater London.

Vicky Read, chief executive at ChargeUK: “A year in which EV sales accounted for a quarter of all vehicle registrations whilst the charging infrastructure grew by a fifth can only be described as hugely positive.

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“But the overall charge point number only gives us a part of the picture — our sector is focussed on installing the right kind of charging in the right places.

“Which is why the rollout of ultra rapid charging is especially pleasing to see. The widespread coverage across key UK roads means that EV drivers can take long journeys with increasing confidence.

“The slower rollout of on-street charging is largely accounted for by the delays to the Government’s LEVI funding scheme, but we are anticipating to see lots more volume on that front in 2026 into 2027 — with a stated aim to deliver 100,000 local low power chargers for those who cannot charge at home. 

“As we enter the Government’s review into the cost of public charging in the first half of this year we hope to see action taken to reduce the cost burdens on charge point operators, which will both help to unlock further investment to speed up deployment and bring down driver prices.

“Clear and stable EV policy, including no further wavering on EV sales targets, will also continue to be critical.”

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