tech
UK electric car charger rollout slows amid worries over EV switch
Smallest number of new chargers since 2022 as carmakers persuade government to weaken EV sales targets
TL;DR
- UK electric car charger installations saw a marked slowdown in 2025, with the smallest increase in new chargers since 2022.
- Industry growth is projected to be under 20%, a significant drop from 37% the previous year.
- While electric car sales are still growing, the pace has not met expectations, leading some manufacturers and investors to slow their transition.
- Government actions, including weakening EV sales targets and announcing a future pay-per-mile tax, have been criticized for potentially undermining consumer and business confidence.
- Charger types vary in speed, from slow (up to 8kW) suitable for overnight charging, to ultra-rapid (150kW and above) for quick top-ups on long journeys.
- Rising costs for charge point operators and grid connection delays are impacting the pace of rollout, particularly in commercially challenging areas.
- Significant regional disparities exist, with London having substantially more public chargers per capita than Northern Ireland.
- Delayed funding and grid connection issues are identified as key bottlenecks for accelerating charger installations.