UK ultra-rapid chargers surge 39% as network hits 124,738 devices, Zapmap reports
By Eve
The UK public charging network reached 124,738 chargers across 48,298 locations in Q3 2026, up 9% year on year, according to Zapmap's latest statistics. Ultra-rapid chargers of 150 kW and above posted the strongest growth at 39.1%, reaching 15,335 devices, while en-route locations grew 23.1% to 14,053 chargers and charging hubs (eight or more rapid or ultra-rapid devices per site) increased by 144 in 2026 to date, totalling 1,070. Rapid chargers saw no year on year growth in September as operators upgrade existing units to higher power ratings.
Why it matters
The shift to ultra-rapid infrastructure and hub formats signals where capital is flowing and where procurement teams should focus tender specifications. Stagnant rapid charger numbers confirm that CPOs are prioritising power upgrades over new mid-tier deployments, reshaping the competitive landscape for site hosts and equipment suppliers.
Source
- Original title
- “Ultra-rapid charging booms as EV running cost advantages hit all-time high, reports Zapmap”
- Published
- 6 October 2026
- Updated
- 7 October 2026
- Also covered by
- evfleetworld.co.uk · fleetworld.co.uk · zapmap.com · and more via Google News (1, 2)
In this story
- Topic
- EV Charging
- Place
- United Kingdom
- Tag
- Zapmap
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UK adds 8,686 EV chargers in first nine months of 2026, up 9% year on year
The UK installed 8,686 new EV chargers from January to September 2026, a 9% year on year increase, bringing the total to 124,738 chargers across 48,298 locations, according to Zapmap data. En route charging grew fastest at 23.1% year on year to 14,053 chargers, while ultra rapid chargers of 150kW or higher surged 39.1% to 15,335 units. On street charging rose 13.4% to 41,374 chargers, and rapid charger numbers fell as devices were upgraded to higher power ratings.
Why it matters
The shift to ultra rapid and en route infrastructure signals where CPOs and funders are prioritising capital, with high power hubs outpacing slower on street rollout. Procurement teams should note the upgrade cycle replacing rapid chargers with faster units, which may create equipment refresh opportunities.
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Why it matters
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Why it matters
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