Wales’s car charging network grows by 25.7% in a year

Figures released last night (Thursday) show there are now 3,813 chargers on Welsh roads, powering the Government’s mission to provide more points for electric vehicles in the country.

It’s an increase of 25.7% in Wales and, 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. 

It comes as plans were revealed this month to install 16 Tesla car chargers at the new Buttington Roundabout development.

The report says that a new charge point is now being added to the national network every 33 minutes. There are now also 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 – charge points 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 and Wales Strategic Road Network have nearly quadrupled in three years, according to the Government. 

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 charge points 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.”