The UK’s rollout of electric vehicle (EV) chargers has significantly slowed, with only 5,100 public charge points installed in the first half of 2026, according to Zapmap. This brings the total to 121,171 chargers, marking a mere 10% increase from the previous year, a stark contrast to growth rates exceeding 40% in 2024. This slowdown raises concerns about meeting the government’s target of 300,000 public chargers by 2030 as electric car sales surge.
Challenges in the EV Charger Market
The slow growth in charger installations can be attributed to rising installation costs and ongoing political uncertainty regarding government sales targets. With the number of EVs on UK roads surpassing 2 million in April, the demand for charging infrastructure is critical. However, the car industry has lobbied for a relaxation of the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which enforces a rapid increase in EV sales.
Jarrod Birch, head of policy and public affairs at ChargeUK, stated, “The public charging network has doubled over the past three years, and rapid charging is growing quickest of all.” However, the uncertainty surrounding the mandate has made investors hesitant.
Growth of Rapid and Ultra-Rapid Chargers
Despite the slowdown, the EV charging infrastructure continues to evolve, particularly with ultra-rapid chargers. Zapmap's data indicates a 37% year-on-year increase in ultra-rapid chargers, which deliver more than 150 kW of power. These chargers are primarily located near motorways and main roads, making them profitable for companies due to higher usage rates.
- Charging Speeds:
- Slow: up to 8 kW
- Fast: 8 kW to 49 kW
- Rapid: 50 kW to 150 kW
- Ultra-rapid: 150 kW and above
Government Initiatives and Future Outlook
The UK government has introduced the local electric vehicle infrastructure (Levi) scheme to support the expansion of public chargers, particularly in areas lacking private parking. Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder of Zapmap, noted that “the installations in the first half of 2026 still represented a steady rollout overall.” She emphasized that government funding is vital for increasing on-street chargers.
As the charging industry faces intense competition and rising costs, experts predict a potential wave of mergers and acquisitions. Recently, one of the major players, InstaVolt, acquired the smaller GeniePoint network, indicating shifts in the market landscape.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Guardian Politics. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
