Ultra-rapid devices lead 20% growth in UK charging network

The UK’s public charging network grew almost 20% in 2025, according to the latest data.

Full-year figures just released by Zapmap show that an additional 14,097 chargers were installed around the country in 2025, representing an increase of just over 19% on the previous 12 months.

There are now 87,796 charging devices at 45,033 locations around the UK, helping meet the needs of the ever-growing number of EV owners.

Once again, the growth of ultra-rapid devices was the stand-out figure, providing an ever-expanding network of quick en-route charging. Ultra-rapid charger numbers were up 41% to 9,893 devices – an increase of more than 2,800 in 12 months.

That growth means that for the first time ultra-rapid chargers – those operating at at least 150kW – outnumber rapid devices (50-149kW), which grew 8% to 8,042.

The boom in ultra-rapid chargers is partly down to growth in the number of charging hubs – sites with at least six rapid or ultra-rapid devices. There are now 748 such locations providing large-scale charging options for motorists – a 39% increase on 2024.

Focused development

Although continued growth is positive, 2025’s development marks a slowdown compared with the previous year. 2024 saw the network grow by 38% and the number of hub locations double.

Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO at Zapmap, said the slower growth was balanced by a focus on delivering the right chargers in the right places, rather than just volume. She said: “While overall charging infrastructure installations are lower than 2024 — a record-breaking year — this year has been marked by targeted areas of focus with both public and private sectors giving thought to shaping the EV market to best meet driver needs.

“The growth in ultra-rapid charging in particular is not only providing convenience and confidence to existing EV drivers but also, due to their typically visible locations, assuring the next wave of drivers looking to make the switch that the infrastructure is there where it’s needed most.”

She also predicted improved growth in “slow/fast” on-street charging as funding from the Government LEVI scheme is finally delivered and put to use. In 2025 an additional 7,659 on-street chargers (less than 50kW) were installed to provide charging options for drivers without access to home charging. There are now 33,177 such devices, with the vast majority (24,000) concentrated in London.

While London continues to dominate on-street access, other parts of the UK matched the capital for growth in 2025, with a country-wide average increase of 30%.

Vicky Read, chief executive of industry body ChargeUK noted: “The slower rollout of on-street charging is largely accounted for by the delays to the Government’s LEVI funding scheme, but we are anticipating to see lots more volume on that front in 2026 into 2027 — with a stated aim to deliver 100,000 local low power chargers for those who cannot charge at home.”