Study finds there’s one public charge point per 22 EVs

A new study has revealed that there are currently 22 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road for every public charge point.

The research, carried out by ZenAuto, compared the latest Department for Transport (DfT) data on registered EVs with the number of publicly available charge points.

Almost half of UK motorists (46%) surveyed by ZenAuto said they are put off from switching to an electric vehicle as they believe there are not enough charging points in their area, but the analysis suggests that drivers only have to share a local public charger with an average of just 21 other EVs at this time. 

The data also reveals the number of publicly available charging points per local authority area, with the number of electric vehicles registered to that area.  

Central London has the best ratio of EVs to charging points, at just five cars to one charger. Within central London, Kensington and Chelsea came out on top with a ratio of four to one. In contrast, the ratio was highest in Haringey, with 19 EV drivers having to share single public charger. However, this was still below the UK average of 22.  

Outside of London, Tyne & Wear in the North East came out on top with just eight EVs sharing one charger on average. This was followed by Cumbria (also eight to one), Outer London (11 to one) and Lancashire (13 to one). 

Vicky Kerridge, head of consumer experience and brand at ZenAuto, added: “Our research revealed just how many motorists are concerned about being able to charge up an EV close to home or work, so we wanted to offer reassurance that actually, in many areas, there are more than enough chargers to go around at this time. 

“Of course, as more people switch over then the ratio will change, but there are also more chargers being added each month too – local authorities seem to be very aware of just how important it is to ensure that the infrastructure in their area meets demand.  

“Also, this insight is specifically reflective of the EVs registered to that place and naturally people will drive around and use chargers in other local authority areas. However, even taking this into consideration the data should put many minds at ease.”

Areas with the best ratio of EV chargers to EVs:

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