New data reveals London is the most EV-friendly city

Research reveals that the top 3 areas with the most public and free charging stations relative to the population are all in the capital city. A more surprising inclusion in the top ten is the Scottish Orkney Islands, with 1 charger per 442 people. While the islands have a low population, they have a significant number of chargers for their size, serving both tourists and locals.

B By Business Motoring

17 January 2024 3 min read

FOR EV drivers, having enough charging stations nearby is crucial, so experts at Confused.com car insurance have looked at the number of public charging stations per 100,000 people across the nation.

The research reveals that the top 3 areas with the most public and free charging stations relative to the population are all in the capital city.

The UK regions with the most public and free EV charging points:

Rank	Local Authority	1 public charging station per X population
1	Westminster ADVERTISEMENT	95 Nominations are now open — view the categories and enter before 31 July Enter now
2	Southwark ADVERTISEMENT	177
3 ADVERTISEMENT	Kensington and Chelsea ADVERTISEMENT	207
4	Coventry	281 ADVERTISEMENT
5	Hammersmith and Fulham	306
6	Merton ADVERTISEMENT	319
7	Brent	416
8	Orkney Islands	442
9	Wandsworth	453
10	Watford	490

Westminster leads with 1 public charging station for every 95 residents. Southwark and Kensington & Chelsea follow with 1 for every 177 and 207 people.

Coventry leads the way outside the capital, with 1 for every 281 people.

A more surprising inclusion in the top ten is the Scottish Orkney Islands, with 1 charger per 442 people. While the islands have a low population, they have a significant number of chargers for their size, serving both tourists and locals.

Confused.com car insurance’s research also revealed:

Stockport tops the list as the UK city where EVs and plug-in hybrids have gained the most popularity, with an impressive 851.3% average yearly rise in EVs over the last 5 years.

Since its UK launch in 2022, the Tesla Model Y has become the most popular choice for EV drivers consumers in the UK, seeing an average yearly increase of 22,561 licensed models over the last 2 years.

Brazil is leading the way globally for the biggest growth in annual EV sales with a staggering 285.5% surge since 2017, compared to 91.2% in the UK which ranks 12th.

Louise Thomas, Confused.com motor insurance expert,said: “Many people considering EVs worry about how far they can go before recharging, known as ‘range anxiety.’ Even though newer models are improving, some consumers still have this concern. The number of charging stations, especially in rural areas, is another challenge. Charging becomes an added hassle for those without a driveway or garage.

“If you’re thinking of buying an EV yourself, consider the following:

Charging infrastructure: Check the availability of charging stations near you or on routes you often take. Consider also the possibility of installing a home charger.
Range: Consider how far you usually drive on a daily basis and if the EV’s range suits those needs. Remember, you don’t necessarily need a 300-mile range if you typically drive 40 miles daily.
Overall costs: Although EVs may be expensive initially, you can save on fuel and maintenance over time.

“It’s good to see that the landscape is evolving rapidly. Improvements in battery technology and increasing charging points are making EVs more accessible. If you’re concerned about charging infrastructure and battery life, take a look at our electric car charging points map.”