Zapmap, a UK charge point mapping service, has released the results of its annual survey, offering crucial insights into the experiences and attitudes of electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
Conducted in October 2024, the survey shows an overall increase in driver satisfaction, while also identifying areas where further development is needed within the UK’s charging infrastructure.
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Key findings from the 2024 survey highlight the continuing importance of public charging facilities. Although 79% of respondents have access to a dedicated home charger, 51% still rely on public networks at least once a month. Despite ongoing improvements in public charging infrastructure, with 61% of respondents noting enhancements over the past year, satisfaction with public charging remains moderate, with an average rating of 64 out of 100. This reflects the continued demand for further improvements in reliability and user experience. Notably, the UK’s charging infrastructure has expanded significantly, with a 38% increase in the number of charge points over the last year.
The survey also underscores the growing popularity of EV charging hubs and motorway services as key locations for drivers. The use of charging hubs has seen a notable increase, with 53% of respondents using them regularly, up from 47% the previous year. Motorway service stations remain the most popular charging locations, with 58% of drivers charging there. However, the use of supermarket car parks for charging has decreased, dropping to 32%, as many locations have removed their free charging options.
The rise in the popularity of rapid and ultra-rapid charging hubs is reflected in Zapmap’s data, which shows an increase in the number of these hubs across the UK. The number of rapid charging hubs has risen from 264 in December 2023 to 486 in October 2024, with 222 new hubs added over the past year. These hubs, which offer six or more rapid chargers (50kW-149kW) or ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+), are becoming increasingly important as en-route charging solutions for drivers.
In terms of overall EV satisfaction, drivers gave their vehicles an average rating of 87 out of 100, citing cost-effectiveness (78%), environmental benefits (73%), and improved vehicle performance (65%) as the main reasons for choosing electric over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. With fewer than 3% of respondents expressing interest in returning to ICE vehicles, this reflects the growing acceptance and satisfaction with electric mobility.
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By GlobalDataJade Edwards, Head of Insights at Zapmap, commented: “The UK’s public charging network is evolving rapidly to meet the needs of an ever-growing number of EV drivers, and this survey highlights the pivotal shifts shaping the future of mobility and charging. These insights provide guidance for businesses, local authorities, and charge point operators as they plan for the next phase of infrastructure development. As the UK transitions to electric, it’s encouraging to see increased satisfaction with the charging infrastructure, but it’s crucial that reliable, accessible, and efficient charging options are available in the right locations to support this transformation.”
Now in its seventh year, the Zapmap survey gathered responses from 3,746 fully-electric vehicle (BEV-only, PHEVs excluded) drivers, covering a broad range of topics, including home charging access, preferred charging locations, and the key factors influencing charging decisions.
