How many EV charge points does the UK need?
When we speak to people about their plans to transition to an electric vehicle.
As the UK races towards its ambitious goal of banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, a critical question emerges: how many EV charge points does the UK really need to support this transition? With over 1.2 million electric vehicles (EVs) on the road as of 2024 and numbers climbing rapidly, ensuring a robust charging infrastructure is essential for making the switch to electric seamless for everyone.
What’s the Current Situation?
The UK boasts over 45,000 public charge points at the start of 2024, including fast and rapid chargers, according to the latest government figures. While this represents significant growth in recent years, concerns remain about whether the infrastructure is expanding quickly enough to meet demand.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) estimates the UK will need between 280,000 and 480,000 public charge points by 2030 to support the growing EV market. This number doesn’t account for private and workplace chargers, which are also critical in providing drivers with reliable charging options.
Breaking Down the Numbers
- Residential Charging
Most EV owners rely on home charging as their primary option, especially those with off-street parking. The government’s push for residential charger installations, coupled with grants like the EV charge point grant for flat owners and renters, will continue to play a crucial role. However, this won’t help the millions of people without access to private parking. - Workplace and Destination Charging
With more workplaces and destinations (like hotels, retail parks, and leisure centres) installing chargers, convenient alternatives to home charging are becoming widely available. These types of chargers reduce pressure on public networks and make EV adoption more practical for drivers without home charging access. - Public Charging
The public network must expand rapidly, particularly in areas with low car ownership or high urban density. The government has earmarked funds for Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) schemes to support councils in deploying reliable chargers in underrepresented regions. - Highway Charging
Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers at motorway service stations are critical for long-distance travel. The UK aims to have at least 6,000 high-power chargers on major roads by 2035, ensuring drivers can charge quickly and get back on the road.
Challenges to Overcome
- Infrastructure Gaps
Rural areas and regions with lower EV uptake often lack sufficient charging options. Investment in these areas will be vital for ensuring nationwide accessibility. - Grid Capacity
Scaling up charging infrastructure places additional pressure on the UK’s energy grid. Strategic planning and investment in grid upgrades will be necessary to support future demand. - Public Confidence
A robust network is key to reducing range anxiety. Drivers need confidence that they can find a charger when and where they need it.
Looking Ahead
By 2030, the UK could have an EV fleet of 10-14 million vehicles, according to industry forecasts. Meeting the CMA’s upper estimate of 480,000 public chargers means adding over 53,000 charge points per year—a challenging but achievable target if public and private sectors work together.
Investments in smart charging solutions, ultra-rapid networks, and accessible infrastructure for all communities will be critical. Beyond numbers, the focus must remain on reliability, convenience, and affordability to ensure the charging experience matches—or exceeds—the simplicity of refuelling a traditional car.
How Roam Is Helping
At Roam, we’re playing our part in powering the UK’s electric future. Our mission is to accelerate access to EV charging by partnering with businesses, residential developers, and public sector organisations to deliver scalable, high-quality solutions. Whether it’s helping hotels electrify guest stays or installing chargers at workplaces, we’re here to make the transition effortless for drivers and businesses alike.
The road to 2030 is an exciting one. With the right infrastructure in place, the UK is well on its way to becoming a global leader in electric mobility. Ready to join the journey? Let’s Roam.