There are now four times as many public charging locations around the UK than there are fuel forecourts as experts call for more to be done to help motorists switch to electric vehicles.
New data from the AA reports that there are 8,329 petrol and diesel forecourts around the UK, while there are more than 37,000 public charging locations across the country.
There are over 108,000 publicly available electric vehicle connectors, with more being installed every month as the UK continues to move towards its goal of securing 300,000 charging stations by the end of the decade.
This has helped dispel the myth for many motorists that charging anxiety is still present and that motorists will run out of charge on a regular basis.
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New data shows electric vehicle charging stations now outnumber filling stations by four to one
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The data, from the AA’s EV Recharge Report also shows that off-peak charging across fast, rapid and ultra-rapid public charging fell by up to 28 per cent in December 2024.
Drivers will pay an average of £30.80 to add an 80 per cent charge using an ultra-rapid charger with speeds of more than 150kW, compared to £43.71 when refuelling with petrol.
In comparison, it can cost as little as £9.60 to add an 80 per cent charge when using a domestic charger at a flat rate.
The AA highlighted how one charge point operator reverted to offering a flat rate tariff across the day, rather than varying prices.
This has contributed to a staggering 21p/kWh drop when using a fast charger off-peak. It also led to an 11p/kWh drop in the cost of rapid off-peak chargers.
Commenting on the data, Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said December saw a “huge reduction” in charges, helping drivers even further with the cost of living crisis.
He added: “As drivers reveal that they monitor the cost to ‘fill the tank’ to gauge fuel spend, drivers could save more than 50 per cent with an EV compared to petrol.
“However, the public are still unclear as to how well the charging network is growing across the UK.
“While there are certainly more charging sites than fuel forecourts, more are needed, and the positive message of the expanding the charging network needs to be understood in the public mindset.”
The AA noted how many drivers still cite the difference in time taken to refuel when deciding whether or not to switch away from a petrol or diesel car to an electric vehicle.
Many are also concerned about the lack of opportunities for people to charge at home especially if they live in apartment blocks or terraced housing without a guaranteed parking space.
Cousens stated that there was “still work to do” to help convince motorists to embrace change and transition to an electric vehicle.
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Drivers saw EV charging prices drop in the last month of 2024
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He continued: “While the number of publicly available chargers is only one factor, petrol and diesel drivers have other concerns that need alleviating first before swapping the pump for a plug.
“The time taken to charge versus putting fuel into a car still remains an important consideration for those unsure about making the switch, however, the reality is that any driver should take a break after two hours driving which would give adequate time to charge up.”
