The South East region has witnessed a significant expansion of its electric vehicle (EV) charging network, with over 2,000 new public chargepoints added in the past year, according to recent government statistics. This represents a 29% increase since April 2024, bringing the total number of public chargers in the region to over 9,200.
This development is part of a broader £2.3 billion government initiative aimed at supporting the transition to electric vehicles. Additionally, a separate £200 million investment is being utilized to roll out rapid chargepoints across the nation. Local authorities in Kent, Surrey, and Sussex have all made commitments to enhance EV charging infrastructure within their respective jurisdictions.
Kent County Council has been awarded a grant exceeding £12 million from the Department for Transport to further bolster the region’s EV charging capabilities. Surrey County Council has pledged to install 10,000 EV charging devices across 1,500 locations by the year 2030. In a notable development, Brighton & Hove City Council secured a £2.8 million government grant in December to fund the installation of 500 EV charging points annually for the next three years. West Sussex County Council has also received a £5.5 million grant from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles to install up to 1,000 EV charging points.
The expansion of EV charging infrastructure is a key component of the UK’s strategy to promote the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions. As the network continues to grow, it is expected to provide greater convenience and reassurance to EV owners and prospective buyers alike.
