More electric car charging points than petrol stations
Public charging sites for electric vehicles now outnumber petrol stations.
New industry data shows there are 8,546 charging locations hosting a total of 13,688 charging devices across the UK, compared with 8,400 petrol stations.
Scotland has the greatest number of charging points in the UK, followed by London and the south-east of England.
Charging sites for electric vehicles now out number petrol stations for the first time, the latest figures have revealed.
New industry data has revealed the extent of the UK’S electric vehicle network, with the number of public charging locations now surpassing petrol stations for the first time.
Charging points can now be found across the length and breadth of the country, from the Shetland Islands to Cornwall and from the Giant’s Causeway to the White Cliffs of Dover.
Data provided by electric vehicle charging specialists Zap-map shows that as of this week there are 8,546 charging locations across the UK, hosting a total of 13,688 charging devices.
In contrast, there are currently only 8,400 petrol stations – a figure that is continuing to decline.
Scotland is the UK region with the greatest number of charging points, followed by London and the south-east.
Yorkshire and Wales are the regions least well equipped with facilities.
The network has been expanding steadily to support an increasing number of electric vehicles coming on to the road, with the number of locations increasing by 57 per cent in the past 12 months alone.
Across Scotland there were virtually no chargers fitted five years ago.
Now there are a total of 1,069 locations with 1,602 devices, while petrol forecourts have declined by a quarter over the last decade.
The Petrol Retailers Association has said one-third of independent filling stations, many rural, have closed.
Now plug-in points are replacing fuel pumps in many villages. Areas without access to petrol but which now have chargers include Tor rid on in the West Highlands and Tomintoul in Moray.
Experts believe the increase in charging points will help combat“range anxiety” for people cautious about switching to electric motoring.
Ben Lane, Zap-Map cofounder, said :“The public and private sectors are now investing heavily in the UK’S EV charging infrastructure to ensure that there are sufficient charging points to support the growing electric fleet.
“This month’ s milestone reveals the rapid pace of change already underway as the age of the combustion engine gives way to an all-electric era, with vehicles offering both zero-emissions and a better driving experience.”
Juliet Davenport, founder and chief executive of renewable power firm Good Energy, said: “Tackling the climate crisis means electric vehicles need to go mainstream.
“This milestone shows how rapidly we are moving in that direction, away from polluting petrol and diesel cars. We still have a long way to go but the future of transport is electric.”
There are currently 210,000 electric vehicles in use across the UK – up from just 3,500 six years ago – but analysts fore - cast that will rise to at least one million by the end of 2022.
Since 2012, the Scottish Government has awarded more than £16 million towards the development of the Charge - Place Scotland infrastructure network, with a further £7m due to be invested in the Electric A9 scheme.
Petrol and diesel cars are set to be outlawed in Scotland by 2032 – eight years earlier than across the rest of the UK.
iamos@scotsman.com