Public charge points rocket by 70% but UK behind runaway EV leaders

The rollout of public charging infrastructure is accelerating rapidly as the UK gears up for yet another record year of electric vehicle sales, but it has ground to make up against the top European nations.

According to energy consultancy Cornwall Insight, the UK now has one publicly accessible charge point for every 11.2 battery EVs on the road, having seen a 70 per cent jump over the past year.

This remarkable acceleration demonstrates the substantial impact of recent government efforts to ensure charging infrastructure catches up with the ever-rising number of EVs. In the second quarter of 2023 alone over 250,000 EVs were sold in the UK, well over half the market share for new vehicles.

“With UK EV sales up nearly a third compared to the same period last year, our latest findings demonstrate that motorists are increasingly feeling that now is the time to make the switch,” said Cara Huffey, manufacturing and automotive lead at PwC UK.

UK still mid-table

However, the UK is still some way behind the top performing nations for EV adoption. Cornwall Insights’ EV Country Attractiveness Index, created in partnership with law firm Shoosmiths, places the UK sixth in Europe based on charging infrastructure, government incentives and market conditions.

Long-time EV pioneer Norway is the runaway leader but the Netherlands is not far behind, thanks in part to now having one public charge point for every 2.7 EVs – far ahead of the UK. France, Germany and Spain make up the rest of the top five.

RECHARGE UK, the EV and charging arm of the Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA), has voiced concerns that a lack of skilled professionals capable of installing and maintaining charging infrastructure could hold the UK back over the coming years.

According to the organisation, the UK could face a shortfall of 25,100 EV-trained technicians by 2030 if efforts aren’t made to plug the skills gap.

Haven for electric mobility?

“The significant increase in public EV charging points in the UK signifies a positive stride [forward]. With each new charging point, we create an atmosphere that encourages the adoption of EVs. Yet, as we celebrate this milestone, let us not overlook the electrifying revolution unfolding across Europe,” explained Jamie Maule, research analyst at Cornwall Insight.

“The UK’s position in the EVCA Index calls for an even greater push. Our neighbouring nations are leading the charge, with Norway and the Netherlands becoming a pioneer of progress, armed with extensive charging networks and forward-thinking policies to raise the sale of EVs. As these countries surge ahead, their actions inspire a sense of urgency across the continent, which we hope can turn Europe into a haven for electric mobility.”