The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is in full swing, with global EV sales projected to exceed 20 million in 2025, a 35% leap from Q1 2024. For car enthusiasts at The Weekly Driver, the real story lies in the infrastructure keeping these EVs on the road: chargers.
In the UK and US, EV charger sales are surging to meet soaring demand, but the pace, priorities, and challenges differ between these two markets.
Let’s break down the 2025 stats so far, explore what they mean for drivers, and consider why even petrolheads might find something to admire in this electrified shift.
UK Charger Sales: Rapid Growth, Ultra-Rapid Focus
In the UK, the EV charger market is booming, driven by a robust push for net-zero goals and over 1.4 million EVs on the road.
By May 2025, the UK had 80,998 public charging points across 39,773 locations, with 1,344 net new devices added that month alone.
Ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) are the stars, with 1,291 added since January 2025, a 58% jump from 2024’s 3,200 total.
These high-powered chargers, often found at hubs like Shell Recharge or BP Pulse, can add 200 miles of range in 15-20 minutes, fast enough to impress even those who live for quick fuel stops.
Home and workplace chargers are also fueling sales, with over 1 million private units installed. Smart chargers, like the Zappi or Ohme Home Pro, are popular for their ability to integrate with solar power.
These units appeal to cost-conscious drivers, cutting energy bills by charging during off-peak hours or using renewable energy. The UK’s charger market is projected to hit £2.5 billion by year-end, with a CAGR of 25.5%, driven by government incentives and EU-inspired regulations mandating fast chargers every 60 km along major routes.
But it’s not all smooth driving. Installation costs – around £1000 for a home charger – can deter buyers, and urban areas struggle with public charger access for apartment residents. Enthusiasts might also scoff at the design of some chargers, with the Zappi’s “upside-down loo seat” look drawing chuckles.
Still, the UK’s focus on ultra-rapid chargers means EVs like the Porsche Taycan can hit the road with minimal downtime, a nod to performance that gearheads can respect.
US Charger Sales: Big Ambitions, Mixed Execution
Across the pond, the US charger market is valued at $6.61 billion in 2025, with a projected CAGR of 23.99% through 2030.
As of November 2024, the US had over 205,000 public charging ports across 74,500 locations, with 2,490 added that month alone.
DC fast chargers, making up 30% of public ports, grew by 7.4% in Q2 2024, fueled by the $7.5 billion National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program aiming for 500,000 chargers by 2030.
California leads with nearly a third of public stations, while new NEVI-funded fast chargers are popping up along highways in states like Ohio and Texas.
Residential chargers dominate, with 85% of EV owners charging at home, often with Level 2 units that charge in 6-8 hours. Sales of these units are soaring, driven by 1.4 million plug-in EVs sold in 2024, including 23,513 plug-in hybrids like the Toyota RAV4 Prime in November alone.
However, a hiccup came in early 2025 when $5 billion in NEVI funding was briefly frozen, sparking legal battles that could slow progress.
Fast chargers, while growing, face grid capacity issues, especially for megawatt chargers needed for high-performance EVs like the 670-hp Dodge Charger Daytona Scat Pack.
Enthusiasts might grimace at range anxiety – public chargers can be sparse outside urban hubs, and compatibility issues persist despite the EU’s push for CCS2 connectors by 2025. Still, the US market’s scale and innovation, like Tesla’s Supercharger network opening to non-Tesla EVs, offer a glimpse of a future where charging rivals refueling for convenience.
Why Enthusiasts Should Care
For car enthusiasts, the EV charger surge might seem like a buzzkill compared to the thrill of a V8. But the numbers tell a compelling story.
In the UK, ultra-rapid chargers are making EVs viable for long drives, with hubs boasting six or more 150kW+ units doubling from 264 in 2023 to 653 in 2025.
In the US, the focus on highway chargers means road trips in EVs like the Ford F-150 Lightning (up 96% in sales in November 2024) are less daunting.
Plug-in hybrids, blending electric efficiency with gas-powered soul, are also driving charger demand – perfect for those who want performance without fully ditching combustion.
The catch? Reliability and aesthetics. Both markets face charger downtime issues, frustrating drivers who value uptime as much as horsepower. And let’s be honest—most chargers don’t look cool. Plus, the grid strain from high-power chargers could hike costs, and urban charger access remains a hurdle for renters.
The Road Ahead
The UK and US are charging toward an electric future, with 2025 sales reflecting massive investment – £2.5 billion in the UK and $6.61 billion in the US.
While EVs may never replace the rumble of a classic car, the charger boom is making them harder to dismiss, especially for hybrids that keep one foot in the gas-powered world.
So, whether you’re a petrolhead or an EV curious driver, the charger market’s growth is reshaping the road. Will it win over the car enthusiast crowd? Only time – and a few more ultra-rapid hubs – will tell.
What’s your take on the EV charger surge in the UK and US? Is it a game-changer or a roadblock for car culture?
Article Last Updated: June 10, 2025.
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