Councils to Install 50,000+ EV Chargers by 2027, Study Finds

The shift toward electric vehicles in the UK is accelerating, yet new research shows that public charging infrastructure is still playing catch-up. Fresh data reveals that the number of council-owned public EV charge points is expected to almost double by 2027, climbing from today’s 28,734 to more than 50,000.

Even with this planned expansion, the figures point to a significant shortfall. As of July 2025, there is just one council-operated public charger available for every 36 electric vehicles on UK roads, based on the 1.04 million EVs currently registered.

Over the past year, residents have submitted more than 10,600 requests to local councils for additional public charging points, a sign of both growing demand and a widening perception of inequality in access to charging points. Some councils, such as Westminster and Milton Keynes, are already in a strong position; however, many areas remain underserved or have yet to develop comprehensive rollout plans.

Several local authorities are setting bold targets for the coming years. Greenwich Borough Council aims to install between 2,000 and 2,500 chargers. Tower Hamlets plans for 2,235. Hounslow is preparing for 2,000, Brighton and Hove have 1,650 in the works, and Surrey County Council intends to add 1,120. These local ambitions are reinforced by recent central government funding aimed at strengthening the UK’s EV infrastructure ahead of the 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

While registrations of electric vehicles continue to rise, many drivers remain hesitant to leap. A nationwide survey of 2,000 UK drivers found that only 12 per cent currently own a fully electric car, and nearly half are unaware of the ban on internal combustion engines by 2035.

The most common barriers are cost and access to charging. Fifty-seven per cent believe EVs are still too expensive. Thirty-seven per cent would be more likely to switch if public charging were more widely available, while 30 per cent think chargers should be free or subsidised. Thirty-one per cent of EV drivers say they have been blocked by petrol or diesel vehicles at charging bays.

Even those who have already made the switch are encountering challenges. Forty-five per cent report long waits or fully occupied bays. Thirty-eight per cent have been frustrated by slow charging speeds. Thirty-five per cent struggle with payment systems or apps, and 39 per cent say they want better lighting and safety at charging locations.

For those who have adopted electric vehicles, motivations vary. Environmental concerns drive 33% of owners. Lower running costs motivate 27 per cent, while 24 per cent are looking to avoid volatile fuel prices.

However, one in four non-EV drivers cite the inability to install a home charger as their main deterrent, underscoring the vital role public infrastructure will play in promoting broad and equitable adoption.

To help drivers make sense of the patchwork charging landscape, Confused.com has launched an interactive map of public EV charge points. This tool enables users to locate chargers in their area and track trends in charging provision nationwide.