April saw a record increase in electric vehicle (EV) charge points, with 1,213 new charging devices installed in the month, according to new figures published by Zap-Map.

It brings the total to 31,507 chargers in the UK across 19,707 locations – a 35% increase in charging devices over the past year. 

In April, there were 259 new rapid and ultra-rapid charging devices installed, bringing the total to 5,751 across 3,501 locations.

This includes an increase of 74% in the number of ultra-rapid devices, capable of adding from 70 miles in as little as 15 minutes, since April 2021. 

Melanie Shufflebotham, chief operating officer and co-founder of Zap-Map, said: “The rapid and ultra-rapid charger roll-out continues at pace.

“These charging devices are an important part of the infrastructure for the transport transition, as they make longer journeys possible by providing a way for people to charge en route. 

“Ever growing numbers of drivers are switching to electric as they realise not only the environmental but the financial benefits, given the soaring costs of petrol.

“This makes it ever more important that people can easily find reliable charging to power their vehicles, so it’s great to see the industry respond to demand.”

The new figures were released as Gridserve and Moto announced the opening the latest Gridserve EV charging hub featuring 350kW-capable chargers. 

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