Britain’s public EV charging network continues to grow, but the pace of expansion has slowed during the first half of 2026. While the latest figures show more than 121,000 public charge points are now available across the UK, industry experts warn that maintaining momentum will be essential if charging infrastructure is to keep pace with the country’s growing electric vehicle fleet.
Public charging network passes 121,000 chargers
According to the latest statistics from Zapmap, the UK now has 121,171 public EV charge points spread across 40,543 charging locations.
Between January and June 2026, 5,119 new public charge points were installed, representing 10% year-on-year growth. While the network continues to expand, this is noticeably slower than the rapid growth recorded during 2024 and 2025.
For motorists considering the switch to electric, charging availability remains one of the most important factors influencing confidence in EV ownership.
Growth hasn’t stopped – but it has changed
A slower installation rate does not necessarily mean investment is drying up.
Instead, the focus of many charging operators is shifting towards installing larger, higher-powered charging hubs capable of serving more vehicles each day. This means fewer individual installations, but potentially greater charging capacity where demand is highest.
The strongest growth continues to come from ultra-rapid chargers (150kW and above), which recorded approximately 37% annual growth. These chargers are increasingly appearing at motorway service areas, retail parks and dedicated charging hubs, allowing many modern EVs to recover significant range in around 20 to 30 minutes.
More EVs mean greater demand
The slowdown comes as Britain’s electric vehicle market continues to expand.
More than two million fully electric cars are now on UK roads, with battery electric vehicles becoming an increasingly common sight in towns and cities across the country.
For drivers with home charging, lower overnight electricity tariffs continue to make EV ownership highly affordable. However, motorists without access to off-street parking remain more dependent on the public charging network, making continued infrastructure investment particularly important.
Policy and investment remain under the spotlight
Alongside infrastructure challenges, the automotive industry continues to debate the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which sets annual sales targets for manufacturers. Tech Torque Media has also examined the Government’s review of the UK EV sales target and what the proposed pathways could mean for drivers.
Recent Government adjustments have introduced additional compliance flexibilities for car makers while maintaining the broader transition towards zero-emission vehicles. Industry groups argue that long-term policy certainty will be vital to encourage continued investment in both vehicles and charging infrastructure.
At the same time, charging companies continue to face challenges including grid connection delays, planning approvals and rising construction costs.
Is the UK still on track?
The UK has made significant progress in expanding its charging network over the past few years, and today’s infrastructure is considerably stronger than it was even three years ago.
However, with electric vehicle ownership continuing to rise, maintaining investment will be essential if charging provision is to keep pace with demand.
The latest figures suggest the conversation is no longer simply about installing the greatest number of chargers. Increasingly, the focus is shifting towards where chargers are located, how reliable they are, and whether they provide the charging speeds drivers actually need.
For most EV owners, the outlook remains positive, particularly as ultra-rapid charging continues to expand. But ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with vehicle adoption will remain one of the UK’s biggest transport challenges over the remainder of the decade.
Tech Torque Media Verdict
The latest data paints a more balanced picture than the headline numbers alone suggest. Public charger growth has slowed, but investment is increasingly focused on higher-powered infrastructure that can deliver a better experience for drivers. The challenge for policymakers and industry alike will be ensuring that expansion continues quickly enough to support the UK’s growing electric vehicle market.
Sources: Zapmap H1 2026 UK EV Charging Infrastructure Statistics; UK Government Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate guidance.
