Key facts
- UK EV charger installations grew by 10% in the first half of 2026, a slowdown from previous years.
- The government's zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate faces uncertainty and potential weakening of targets.
- Ultra-rapid chargers saw a 37% increase, indicating a focus on higher-profitability units.
- Government funding through the local electric vehicle infrastructure (Levi) scheme is starting to be deployed.
- Industry consolidation is predicted due to cost pressures and competition.
The United Kingdom's expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is experiencing a slowdown, primarily attributed to increasing installation costs and significant uncertainty surrounding government sales targets. In the first half of 2026, charger companies added 5,100 public charge points, bringing the national total to 121,171. This represents a 10% increase compared to the same period in the previous year, a notable deceleration from growth rates exceeding 40% observed in 2024.
While a natural slowdown in growth is expected as the network matures, the current pace is insufficient to meet the UK government's ambitious target of 300,000 public chargers by 2030. This goal is crucial to support the rapidly growing number of EVs on British roads, which surpassed 2 million in April.
The automotive industry, both in the UK and Europe, has been actively lobbying for a relaxation of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This policy compels manufacturers to increase the proportion of electric cars sold annually. The Labour government has already introduced 'flexibilities' into the mandate, originally established by the Conservatives in 2023, which allow for the sale of more petrol cars. There are ongoing considerations to reduce the headline EV sales target for 2030 from 80% to as low as 50%.
Jarrod Birch, head of policy and public affairs at ChargeUK, highlighted that the public charging network has doubled in the last three years, with rapid charging expanding fastest. He noted that nine out of ten chargers are now built outside London, characterizing it as a "British success story" funded by private investment contingent on the certainty provided by the ZEV mandate. However, he expressed concern that three years of policy debate under two governments has led investors to hesitate.
Zapmap's data indicates a strategic focus on ultra-rapid chargers, which saw a 37% year-on-year increase. These chargers, capable of delivering over 150 kilowatts (kW), are typically located on major routes and are more profitable due to higher pricing potential and greater driver throughput. Melanie Shufflebotham, Zapmap's co-founder, described the installations as a "steady rollout" with "high growth" in the ultra-rapid segment. She also mentioned that councils are beginning to deploy chargers funded by the government's local electric vehicle infrastructure (Levi) scheme, aimed at providing on-street charging for those without private parking.
The challenging market conditions, including intense competition and rising costs, are leading to predictions of industry consolidation. InstaVolt recently acquired the smaller GeniePoint network, signaling a trend of stronger players acquiring struggling rivals.