280% increase in electric routes planned in May, finds Zap-Map

Electric vehicle (EV) mapping service Zap-Map said it saw a 280% increase in electric routes planned in May 2021 versus the same period two years ago, and a 39% increase versus April 2021.

There are over 500,000 plug-in cars on UK roads as sales have increased by more than 55% over the past year, according to Zap-Map.

The company said the growth in sales, coupled with the UK’s gradual release from lockdown, has led to an increase in new and existing EV drivers planning both their longer journeys for the bank holidays in May and future trips over the summer.

The new figures have been released to coincide with the launch of Zap-Map’s new subscription plans: Zap-Map Plus and Zap-Map Premium.

The new service provides additional features in addition to the app’s core search, plan and pay services which remain free, and is targeted at drivers who regularly use the public charging network, said Zap-Map.

Melanie Shufflebotham, Zap-Map’s co-founder and chief operating officer said: “A new generation of EV drivers are eager to hit the road.

“This new data shows how the sector is picking up speed at an astonishing rate and Zap-Map is on hand to show people the way.

"Our new service is built for everyone; from total beginners to experienced EV heads.”

The boom was also reflected in an estimated 180% increase in usage of public charge points between May 2019 and May 2021, a period during which Zap-Map’s data shows the number of public charging points in the UK has grown by 70%.

Usage of the charging network increased 34% in May versus the previous month, the data found.

A new tariff from Good Energy, in partnership with Zap-Map, allows drivers to charge their plug-in car for free.

Zap-Map said it has over 200,000 registered users, double the number since last year and has mapped over 95% of the UK’s public points.

Over 75% of UK EV drivers have downloaded Zap-Map, and downloads have grown 67% over 2020.