UK could miss electric vehicle charging targets with 'significant work' to be done before 2030

The latest research from Zapmap shows that there are 66,779 public charging devices around the UK across 34,570 different locations.

In July 2024, more than 2,000 EV chargers were installed across the UK, as well as there being a 46 per cent increase in the number of public devices year-on-year.

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Zapmap also estimated that there are more than 700,000 charging points available to use at homes and workplaces around the country, further helping drivers make the switch to an EV.

Keith Hawes, director at Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, spoke to GB News about the prospect of achieving the 300,000 charger target by the end of the decade.

He said: "The UK Government can hit this goal, depending on huge advancements in EV charging technology, which means charging points can be rolled out quicker and to wider locations."

However, he admitted that "significant work" needs to be done to achieve the goal since the growth rate of new EV chargers has declined in the past year.

Hawes added: "Year-on-year growth of EV charging points is declining, and the UK Government still has a significant number of charging points to install.

"The UK Government has installed nearly 5,000 charging points in the past four months. Therefore, to meet the 2030 target, the UK will have to install approximately 2,800 charging points every month."

The expert also suggested that external factors like Government policies could either halt or accelerate the growth of EV chargers being rolled out.

Prior to the election, Labour promised to accelerate the electric vehicle charging rollout by setting new targets, supporting local authorities and removing planning barriers.

There has been criticism from industry experts in recent years about funding, especially from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund, and how it is not being used to its full potential to help drivers transition to electric vehicles.

Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to unveil law changes in the near future relating to the removal of red tape and planning barriers which could have a massive impact on the number of EV chargers installed in public around the country.

Industry experts have told GB News that planning barriers have caused months-long delays in the installation of chargers, especially at retail parks and existing sites.

It is hoped that the removal of barriers to securing grid connections will "facilitate the largest upgrade to our national transmission infrastructure in a generation", as promised by Labour.

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Hawes concluded, saying: "With the UK Government already behind on meeting their proposed target, it is crucial that quality and safety aren’t compromised to meet this target."