In the latest of our series about the state of charging infrastructure in countries around Europe, we’re focussing on the UK. With bold Net-Zero commitments being made by the British government, let's examine exactly how far the UK is towards achieving this mission, and just how viable the plan to go totally emission free by 2050 really is.
As the UK gears up for an electric future, the landscape of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is developing rapidly. With 53,677 public charging devices already in place as of January 2024, with 19% of these offering high-speed charging capabilities, accessibility to power up is more convenient than ever. To offer context, the UK only has 8,353 petrol stations available for drivers of traditional cars.
This surge in infrastructure is driven by the government, showcased by the ambitious £1.6 billion funded mission to amplify the count to 300,000 chargers by 2030, ensuring that charging an EV becomes simpler and more cost-effective than refueling traditional petrol and diesel cars.
Other significant investments like the £450 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) fund are boosting the expansion, focusing on making on-street and hub charging accessible to those without off-street parking, potentially revolutionizing urban mobility. Additionally, with all newly built homes now mandated to include access to charging points, the foundation for a comprehensive charging network is being solidified.
Recent UK legislation has ushered in a new era of convenience for EV drivers by enabling roaming across all charging networks, a system introduced in October 2023. While many networks allowed roaming before that, there were still some that did not, causing confusion. Not anymore - now it’s the law!
This change means that any EV driver can now use any public charger regardless of the network, promoting a seamless charging experience. The legislation ensures transparent pricing and mandates contactless payment options, while also requiring providers to open their data. This openness allows drivers to easily find available charge points, verify their operational status, and compare costs, further enhancing the EV charging process across the UK.
Towns like Dudley in the West Midlands are leaders in free charging. Dudley boasts 83 EV chargers, which may not sound like a huge amount. However, when you consider that 98% of these are free to use, it’s actually pretty incredible. This kind of epic cost reduction in charging makes the town a model for other communities.
Many local councils, supermarkets, and retail parks offer free charging to attract customers and support sustainability goals. This initiative not only encourages the adoption of EVs but also helps lower-income households transition to electric vehicles without the added burden of charging costs. However, it is predicted that the number of free chargers will decrease.
Despite the community-focused initiatives, EV charging remains big business, and vital to the adoption of EVs across the UK.
BP Pulse is leading the charge with over 7,000 charging points across the UK. Founded in 2008, BP Pulse has become one of the most recognizable names in EV charging in England, providing high-speed solutions up to 150kW at key locations like supermarkets and service stations.
Shell Recharge operates with a focus on quality and rapid charging, offering around 230 charging points nationwide, including 54 ultra-rapid DC chargers. Although fewer in number, Shell’s chargers are strategically placed to offer quick charges, boasting speeds that can charge an EV to 80% in less than an hour.
With the existence of big hitters like Tesla - with its dual network of Superchargers and Destination Chargers - and the expanding network of Allego - with its rapid charging stations - the life of an EV driver in Great Britain is getting easier all the time.
Be.EV is rapidly expanding its footprint across the UK, focusing on accessibility and reliability to enhance the EV user experience. Be.EV is one of the fastest-growing EV charging networks in the UK, with over 700 electric vehicle charge points across more than 200 locations.
GRIDSERVE is taking the charging experience to the next level with its Electric Forecourt concept, combining multi-brand electric vehicle charging with top-tier customer facilities. Gridserve uses hybrid solar energy to minimize environmental impact.
This electrifying journey is not just about installing more chargers but weaving a tapestry of technology, policy, and community engagement that is driving the UK towards a greener, more sustainable future on wheels. The UK seems well positioned to handle the rise in EV ownership that is certain to spike up in the near future.
So, whether you're in the heart of a bustling city or a small town, the power to go electric is becoming readily accessible, marking a pivotal shift in how the UK is driving towards its carbon-neutral goals.
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