This week in EV charging: faster installs, ultra-rapid growth and new rules for operators

The UK’s EV charging network continues to expand, but the past week shows it’s not just about adding more chargers – how they’re installed, maintained and used is changing too.

Faster installs and lower costs

New legislation is set to speed up charger installation significantly. Changes to permitting rules mean operators can now apply digitally, cutting wait times from months to days.

Costs are also dropping, with permit fees falling from around £1,000 to as little as £45. This should make it easier to roll out on-street charging, particularly in areas where fleets rely on public infrastructure rather than depot or home charging.

Ultra-rapid chargers lead growth

Data from Zapmap shows there are now more than 119,000 public chargers in the UK, up 13% year-on-year.

Ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) are growing fastest, up 39% over the past year. There are now more than 12,900 of them, often grouped into larger hubs designed for quick turnaround stops. For drivers covering longer distances, this is where charging is becoming more practical.

New rules and emerging risks

Charging operators now face stricter requirements. A new 99% uptime rule means networks need to keep chargers working reliably or risk penalties, pushing more investment into maintenance and monitoring.

Cybersecurity is also becoming a bigger issue as networks grow, while vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology is expected to become more common. This could allow fleets to earn additional income by sending energy back to the grid when vehicles aren’t in use.

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