EV Charging Locations: The UK towns and cities with the best access

As the UK accelerates its transition toward electric mobility, the number of EV charging stations in the UK is steadily growing every week. Government data highlights the areas with the best access to public electric vehicle charging, helping drivers identify locations with the most convenient charging options.

Understanding where you can find EV charging points near me or in your city is becoming increasingly important for both local travel and longer journeys. 

How Many Charging Points are there in the UK?

As of July 2025, the UK boasts 82,002 electric vehicle charging points, with 16,677 of these being rapid chargers, representing a 30% increase from July 2024. These charging points are distributed across 42,970 locations and feature 118,742 individual connectors, demonstrating the growing infrastructure to support electric vehicles in the country.

The distribution of EV charging stations across the UK is inconsistent, with a significant variation between different regions, and even between neighbouring towns and cities. Some local authorities are proactively seeking government funding to enhance their charging infrastructure, while others have opted not to pursue this support.

Currently, Northern Ireland has the lowest availability with only 32 charging points per 100,000 people, followed by Yorkshire and the Humber with 56 per 100,000 residents.

The majority of electric car charging points have been driven by market forces, with various charging networks and businesses, including hotels, independently deciding on the locations for their devices. 

Northern Ireland is currently the area with the least availability of charging devices in the UK, with only 32 devices for every 100,000 people. This is followed by Yorkshire and the Humber, which has a slightly higher provision of 56 devices per 100,000 residents. The UK average is 86 devices per 100,000 people.

As of April 2024, Northern Ireland also had the lowest number of rapid or fast chargers (50kW and above) in the UK, with only 7 devices per 100,000 population.

Top 10 Towns and Cities in the UK for EV Charging Locations

Certain towns and cities stand out for their EV-friendly infrastructure. These areas have a well-developed network of public charging points, making it easier for EV drivers to plan trips without worrying about running out of battery.  

According to recent research, the top 10 areas with the highest number of EV charging points are:

Top tip for EV Drivers: When setting off on your journey with an EV, it’s important to plan ahead to remove concerns regarding public charging availability. For longer trips, consider mapping out EV charging stations along your route and identifying backup charging options in case your first choice is not accessible. This approach ensures a smoother travel experience with access to high-power superchargers for ultra-rapid charging when on the move.

Free EV Charging Locations

Finding free electric vehicle chargers near me in the UK to save money on your journey is becoming less common; however, it’s definitely still possible. As of 2024, Scotland leads the way with the highest number of complimentary charging stations, but there are still numerous options available throughout the rest of the UK.

While free electric car charging is available in the UK, it is becoming increasingly uncommon. Common places where free EV charging is available include: 

• Supermarkets

• Shopping centres

• Leisure centres

• Car dealerships

• Public car parks

• Hotels and other accommodation businesses, such as B&Bs and Airbnb

• Attractions, such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, museums, and theme parks

• National Trust properties

• Workplaces & offices

Certain supermarkets guarantee free EV charging, although availability varies by location and charging speed. 

EV Home Charging with Volta EV

Maximise convenience by charging your EV at home with type 2 home EV chargers at Volta EV.  

Benefits of a home EV charger: 

• No waiting at public chargers- charge overnight or at your convenience.

• Time-saving- eliminates long queues at public stations.

• Cost-efficient- cheaper than many public charging networks.

• Reliable- ensures your EV is always ready for your next journey.

Volta EV offers a range of Type 2 home chargers with fast charging options. Start saving money and simplify your EV experience by installing a home charger today. 

Get in touch today to discuss home charging options to start saving money!