UK public chargers reach 121,171 but electric van share lags at 9.9 per cent against 24 per cent mandate
By Eve
The UK's public EV charging network stood at 121,171 chargers as of 1 July 2026, including 28,887 rapid or ultra rapid units rated 50 kW and above, according to Department for Transport data sourced from Zapmap. The network added 3,028 chargers in the first quarter of 2026 following 13,281 installations during 2025. However, battery electric van registrations captured only 9.9 per cent market share in the first half of 2026, up from 8.6 per cent a year earlier, well short of the government mandated 24 per cent target, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reported.
Why it matters: The widening gap between charging rollout pace and commercial fleet adoption signals that infrastructure alone may not drive van electrification, prompting CPOs and fleet operators to reassess depot charging strategies and total cost of ownership models. Procurement teams face pressure to meet compliance targets while navigating a market where public network growth has not yet translated into sufficient light commercial vehicle demand.