The UK is charging ahead in its transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with the latest data revealing a significant 37% increase in public EV charging points year on year. According to newly published figures from the Department for Transport, there were 73,334 public EV charging devices installed across the country as of January 1, 2025. This growth is excellent news for PCO drivers looking for a PCO-licensed car, as the availability of reliable charging infrastructure is crucial for electric private hire vehicles.
A Breakdown of the Growth in EV Charging Points
Over the past year, the UK added an impressive 19,657 new charge points. Urban areas saw a 35% increase, with 14,021 additional devices, while rural locations experienced a 45% rise, adding 2,974 new charging points. In just the last quarter of 2024, the number of installed devices grew by 3,292—an increase of 5%.
This expansion includes all types of charging speeds, from slow on-street chargers to ultra-rapid charging stations. As of January 2025, the UK had:
14,448 rapid/ultra-rapid chargers (50kW or above), making up 20% of all charge points.
41,678 slow chargers (3kW–8kW), commonly used for on-street charging, accounting for 57% of the total.
35,995 destination chargers (49% of all charge points).
26,318 on-street chargers (36% of all charge points).
For PCO drivers considering switching to electric, this means better access to charging and shorter wait times when out on the road.
London Leads in EV Charging Provision
One of the most significant takeaways from the latest data is the continued uneven distribution of EV charging points across the UK. London had the highest level of charging provision, with 250 devices per 100,000 people—far above the national average of 108 per 100,000. In contrast, Northern Ireland had the lowest with just 36 per 100,000, followed by the North West and Yorkshire & the Humber, each with 66 per 100,000.
For those in the capital looking for PCO cars for rent in London, the abundance of charging points makes switching to an EV an increasingly viable option. The demand for electric PCO vehicles is rising as more drivers recognize the long-term savings and benefits of going green.
Major Investment in UK Charging Infrastructure
The UK government is also backing the expansion of EV charging with significant funding. Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently announced a £55m investment from the National Wealth Fund into on-street charging specialist Connected Kerb, with an additional £10m from Aviva Investors. This investment will help Connected Kerb expand its charging network from 9,000 to 40,000 sockets, making it even easier for PCO drivers and everyday motorists to access public chargers.
What This Means for PCO Drivers
With the rapid growth of the UK’s EV charging infrastructure, now is a great time to explore electric PCO options. If you’re looking for a Rent-To-Buy pco car, having a strong charging network ensures that you can keep your vehicle powered up and on the road.
As councils continue to deploy charging points in strategic locations, it’s expected that more drivers will feel confident in making the switch to electric. With London leading the way in EV charging, it’s becoming increasingly practical for PCO drivers in the city to opt for a zero-emissions ride.
Thinking about making the switch? The growing charging infrastructure means that running an electric PCO car is more convenient than ever. If you're looking for a London PCO car hire that’s future-proof, now is the time to consider an EV.
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