Disparity in number of EV charge points across the country, data shows

Stoke-on-Trent, Southend and Birmingham have the worst electric vehicle (EV) charging provisions in the country, according to data published by energy comparison website Uswitch.

Uswitch used Zap-Map data to look at the number of public EV charge points in fixed areas across the country and then they cross-referenced this with the number of registered EV drivers in the area according to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). 

Driver figures were calculated using an average of 2.5% of new car sales in 2019 to calculate how many EVs could be based in each city. 

According to the data, the worst served cities are Stoke-on-Trent with 268 EVs per charge point, followed by Southend with 201.8 and Birmingham with 174.9.

In comparison, Bristol, Milton Keynes and Dundee are the best served. Bristol has 22.9 EVs per charge point, Milton Keynes has 23.4 and Dundee has 28.

Uswitch has said that Stoke-on-Trent, Southend and Birmingham will, therefore, benefit the most from the governments £500m EV rapid charging fund. 

This funding is hoped to help boost the number of electric vehicles on the roads by providing new public rapid charge points, with 2,500 due to be installed across England by 2030.

Sarah Broomfield, an energy expert at Uswitch.com, said: ‘It’s a really exciting time to be an EV driver.

‘This research suggests that the Rapid Charging Fund could have a significant impact for drivers across the UK — especially for those living in cities such as Stoke-on-Trent, Southend and Birmingham who are thinking about purchasing one.

‘The funding will be instrumental in delivering a more sustainable future for the nation’s transport. It’s crucial though that this investment is spent wisely and is targeted towards the regions that need the funding most.

‘While there is no obvious regional divide across the UK, it’s clear some locations are more prepared than others. We look forward to seeing how these changes can help bridge the gaps and impact what vehicles we see on our roads in the years to come.’

For more information read the full report here. 

Photo Credit – Pixabay