Electric boost: EV charge points in the South East grow by 27.2% in a year

• 2,272 public chargepoints added to the South East charging network since October 2024, higher than the national percentage growth

• There are now 10,630 public chargepoints in the region, giving drivers peace of mind that they can charge up conveniently wherever their journey takes them. 

• Government is backing the EV sector with more than £381m to deliver 100,000 more chargers, boosting British industry, powering up growth and creating jobs to deliver the Plan for Change. 

Figures released today (Thursday 30 October) show there are now 10,630 chargers on the the South East’s roads, making it easier than ever for local drivers to charge up and go, and driving forward the confidence people need to electric. 

Overall, the UK’s EV charging network grew by 23% in the last year, bringing over 15,000 more charging devices to motorists on UK roads, enabling people to travel with ease and confidence. 

A new chargepoint is now being added to the national network every 33 minutes which is great news for drivers who can save by charging up as compared to filling up on petrol. The number also includes over 17,356 rapid/ultra-rapid chargers that can charge a car to 80% in just 20-40 mins. 

The data follows the launch of the £650m Electric Car Grant, which has already helped over 25,000 drivers make the switch with discounts of up to £3,750 on 39 models. 

Minister for Decarbonisation, Keir Mather said:  

 “There’s never been a better time to go electric – chargepoints are up 23% in a year, and we’re helping drivers save with discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars — all part of our Plan for Change. 

We’re also cutting red tape so renters and those without driveways can access affordable home charging, making it easier and cheaper for everyone to make the switch.” 

Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers near England’s Strategic Road Network have nearly quadrupled in three years, making charging quicker and easier than ever. 

The data comes after the Government announced it will consult to cut red tape and make it easier for renters and residents without driveways to install home chargers. Plans could see drivers save £250 on planning fees and enable more households to run their car for as little as 2p per mile – that’s £2.50 from London to Birmingham. 

The increase is complemented by the £25m scheme to help councils install cross-pavement channels for people without driveways, and the £381m rollout of 100,000 more public chargepoints across England.

Vicky Read, chief executive, ChargeUK said: 

“The EV charging industry is pulling out all the stops to help drivers go electric, investing billions of private capital into high-quality charging — supporting the government’s ambitions for growth and decarbonisation in the process. 

"The vast majority of EV drivers use the public networks and an increasing number will be wholly reliant on them. Meaning we need the right mix of affordable and easy to access charging at home and at work, on-street, en-route and at destinations to ensure everyone can make the switch.”