The UK's electric vehicle charging network has hit a major roadblock, with new installations plummeting by 30% in the first half of this year. The slowdown is largely due to escalating costs and uncertainty over government targets for electric car sales.
According to data from Zapmap, a specialist in EV charging information, only 5,100 new public charge points were installed between January and June, bringing the total to 121,171. This represents a far cry from the more than 40% growth rates seen in 2024, raising concerns that the country's ambitious goal of having 300,000 public chargers by 2030 may be slipping further out of reach.
The pace of installations is now behind schedule to meet the projected number of electric vehicles on British roads, which exceeded 2 million in April. The slowdown coincides with broader worries about the UK's transition away from conventional petrol and diesel vehicles, fuelling fears that the government's targets may be too optimistic.
A key factor contributing to the hesitation among investors and charging companies is the ongoing debate surrounding the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Introduced by the Conservative government in 2023 and now under a Labour administration, this policy sets targets for the proportion of electric cars sold by manufacturers each year. Jarrod Birch, Head of Policy and Public Affairs at ChargeUK, notes that the continuous review of the mandate, along with the introduction of 'flexibilities' allowing car makers to sell more petrol engines, is creating doubt among investors who rely on policy certainty.
There are also discussions about potentially lowering the headline EV sales target from 80% to as low as 50% by 2030, further unsettling investors. Despite this uncertainty, Zapmap's figures reveal that ultra-rapid chargers – capable of delivering over 150 kilowatts (kW) of power – have seen a 37% increase year-on-year.
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO of Zapmap, points out that the rollout remains 'steady' overall, but highlights the 'high growth' in the ultra-rapid segment. Shufflebotham also notes the positive impact of the government's Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, which is seeing an increase in awarded tenders for on-street chargers and more local charging options at supermarkets and car parks.
This boost in funding is expected to encourage residents without private parking to consider electric vehicles by providing more accessible charging points. However, the overall rollout of new charge points remains sluggish, with industry leaders warning that policy clarity and investment certainty are essential for driving growth in the sector.