
Figures released today (Thursday 30 October) show there are now 86,021 chargers on Britain’s roads, making it easier than ever for drivers to charge up and go.
A new chargepoint is now being added to the network every 33 minutes which is great news for drivers who can save money 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.”
The rapid growth – particularly in Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, the West Midlands and East of England – means drivers can travel to popular destinations such as York Minster, Caerphilly Castle and Norwich Cathedral, knowing they can stop off and charge up easily along the way.
Between October 2024 and October 2025, the number of public EV charging devices in England outside of London grew by 23.4%, compared to 21.7% in London.
There are currently over 6,000 (July 2025, Zapmap) open-access rapid and ultra-rapid chargers within one mile of the Strategic Road Network (England’s motorways and major A-roads). This means total charger numbers have more than quadrupled in the last three years, supporting EV drivers to take longer journeys.
The data comes just days 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.”

Ram Sah attended Reading Magistrates Court in relation to an incident where, on 14 February 2025, he approached two Reading Council Licensing officers and offered his services as a taxi.

The advice comes after reports on social media of a man who pulled up on Priestgate in Darlington and approached a woman offering to take her across town for £10.

Non-aligned councillor Jim Kenyon told a full council meeting that "unscrupulous" firms have been charging "up to four times what you’d pay on the meter to get our children to school." 

The incident began around 4.15pm on Sunday, October 26, in the Geneva Court area of Bideford, following a report that a white Ford Mondeo taxi had been stolen.

The council is not currently seeking to mandate CCTV, but to permit its use under specific conditions.

Thames Valley Police reported the incident took place on Kensington Drive between 4.10pm and 5.10pm on Saturday, October 18.

Plans by Fife Council to implement a 5% rise in taxi fares from December 5 have been met with fierce opposition, with the move branded a “direct threat to the survival of the trade.”

The incident occurred  on Monday, October 27, when the white Toyota swerved off the road, crossed the pavement, and careered down the steps. 

Jonathan Carver launched his attack on the cabbie in Newport after a dispute over a £20 fare, Cardiff Crown Courtheard.

Khalid Mohammad (formerly Haroon Malik), 66, was driving his Toyota Prius in Burslem on September 16 last year when he attempted a turn at a busy junction despite his traffic light being red.

The 47-year-old, who has driven a PHV for 20 years, claims his livelihood is in jeopardy after the council “suspended” his vehicle licence.

Loay Khojali received a £1,111 fine and six DVLA penalty points after he was caught in a test purchase sting run by Milton Keynes City Council.

Jez Shepherd, 23, had stolen the Punto earlier that day. At the time of the crash, he was driving at nearly 90mph in a 30mph zone, was more than twice the legal drink-drive limit, and was high on drugs.

More than 30 taxi vehicles in Southampton have been targeted by vandals in what has been described as "ongoing and escalating vandalism."

Wolverhampton Licensing working with GM Police & BTP were on a joint licensing operation in Manchester City Centre, checking PHVs at Shudehill Station and Victoria & Piccadilly train Stations.

West Midlands police officers on Operation Tramline patrol, saw this private hire vehicle being driven in an unprofessional manner. 

The incident occurred on January 20 last year in Lincoln Road, Millfield, when 36-year-old Omar Afzal spotted the victim in a taxi.

The driver said the "hooligans" ultimately smashed the rear window of his car while he was driving two passengers, whom he described as being "in their sixties." 

Cabbies and residents speak ahead of a Hartlepool council committee meeting that will consider a proposal to change the long-standing yellow colour requirement for the borough's taxis.

A recent Barnsley Council consultation showed a majority of respondents backed proposals to expand the use of CCTV to private hire vehicles used for home-to-school transport.
