This week in EV charging: more chargers than fuel pumps, but the network still evolving

In the same week the Department for Transport said the UK now has more public EV chargers than petrol pumps, the industry is still debating how to make the network easier and fairer for drivers to use.

Here are the key developments shaping EV charging this week.

VAT ruling could cut the cost of public charging

A UK tax tribunal has ruled that public EV charging should qualify for the 5% domestic VAT rate, rather than the 20% currently paid by many drivers.

The case was brought by community charging operator Charge My Street, which argued most charging sessions fall well below the 1,000kWh monthly threshold in existing VAT rules.

If the decision stands, it could help narrow the cost gap between home charging and public charging, a long-standing concern for fleets and drivers without driveways.

Calls grow for clearer EV charging signage

Industry groups including InstaVolt and Electric Vehicles UK are urging government to signpost EV chargers as clearly as petrol stations.

Despite the rapid growth in the network, many chargers remain poorly marked from major roads, which campaigners say limits usage of existing infrastructure.

NHS charging investment expanded

The UK government has announced £4m of additional funding to expand EV charging across the NHS estate.

The funding supports the electrification of around 20,000 NHS vehicles, with officials saying the switch could reduce fuel and maintenance costs while cutting emissions from the 460 million miles the NHS travels each year.

UK charging network passes major milestone

According to the Department for Transport, the UK now has 116,000 public EV chargepoints, compared with an estimated 60,000 petrol pumps.

Industry group EVA England described the milestone as evidence that the country’s charging infrastructure is rapidly catching up with demand.

Major HGV charging hub opens at Port of Tilbury

Charging provider Fleete has opened a 5MW charging hub at the Port of Tilbury, designed specifically for electric HGVs.

The site includes 16 ultra-rapid chargers and forms part of a wider network aimed at helping logistics operators electrify heavy-duty fleets without building their own depot infrastructure.

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