New data shows charge point growth in urban and rural areas

The number of electric vehicle charge points available across the country grew by more than a third (37%) last year, according to new figures from the Department for Transport (DfT).

As of January 1, 2025, there were 73,334 public electric vehicle (EV) charging devices installed in the UK, with 14,448 50kW or above, representing 20% of all charging devices.

The lion’s share – some 41,678 devices – had a power rating of 3kW up to 8kW, representing 57% of all charging devices.

The DfT charging infrastructure statistics show that 35,995 were designated as ‘destination’ chargers – half (49%) of all charging devices – and 26,318 were designated as ‘on street’ chargers, representing more than a third (36%) of all charging devices.

Compared to January 1, 2024, total installed devices increased by 19,657, an increase of 37%, while the number of charging devices in urban areas increased by 35%, or 14,021 devices.

The number of charging devices in rural areas increased by 45%, or 2,974 devices.

Proportion of public charging devices available by rural urban classification in England

Phil Douglass, Vauxhall Electric Streets director, said: “The figures published by the Department for Transport show encouraging signs of growth for the UK’s electric vehicle charging landscape. 

“While the 37% increase in total number of charge points across the country is positive news, the 27% rise in on-street charge points compared to January 2024 is a particularly welcome boost for electric vehicle drivers without access to driveways or private charging.”

Vauxhall launched its Electric Streets of Britain initiative in 2023, to help councils identify where demand for residential charging is greatest.

Douglass continued: “As we see the number of public charge points across the UK continue to rise, it is important that councils deploy their charging strategies tactically, installing charge points for those who need it most. 

“Vauxhall launched Electric Streets of Britain to support councils with this issue and has so far received registrations from over 12,000 UK residents who say they need on-street charging in their area. 

“It’s important to match supply to demand so they get used, but we’re also seeing that chargers installed will encourage people to make the switch to electric knowing they have a convenient place to charge nearby.”