Technology

UK’s EV infrastructure transitions to premium, destination-style charging experience

Tuesday, 28 October 2025 5:03AM UTC

The UK’s rapid expansion of public charging points shifts towards high-quality, destination-style hubs that enhance consumer experience and accelerate EV adoption, with industry leaders like GRIDSERVE pioneering this transformative shift.

The UK’s journey toward widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption has reached a pivotal moment, with charging infrastructure now transitioning from merely functional to an enhanced consumer experience that drives adoption further. Daniel Kunkel, CEO of GRIDSERVE, highlights this evolution in an exclusive comment for Transport + Energy, emphasising how the company is powering up the UK’s public charging network and transforming it into premium, destination-style infrastructure.

Over the past decade, the number of public charging points has surged dramatically, from fewer than 1,000 to over 80,000 today. This rapid growth underpins the UK’s ambitious shift to sustainable transport, alongside improvements in vehicle technology and rising consumer awareness. Electric vehicles now account for more than 25% of new car registrations, reflecting a significant market shift supported by industry collaboration, government policy, and focused investment. Kunkel frames this period as the “acceleration moment” where infrastructure advancement can transform steady uptake into exponential growth.

The next phase of infrastructure development moves beyond purely functional charging to creating enjoyable, high-quality charging experiences. Drawing a comparison with mobile networks that evolved from basic service to enabling high-speed, immersive experiences, Kunkel argues that EV charging hubs—especially premium locations like GRIDSERVE’s Electric Forecourts®—can convert necessary stops into valuable moments. These hubs combine high-power charging with comfort, amenities, and convenience, positively shifting public perception of EV ownership from a considered alternative to a preferred lifestyle choice.

Strategically situated along major transport corridors, such premium charging networks not only enhance journey reliability but foster confidence in long-distance electric travel. GRIDSERVE’s Electric Highway, noted as the UK’s most used public charging network, exemplifies this principle by prioritising high-power chargers with superior facilities where drivers need them most. Each dependable, seamless charging experience reinforces consumer trust, creating a virtuous cycle that supports wider EV adoption.

Government data corroborates the remarkable expansion of UK public charging infrastructure this year. As of July 2025, there were 82,002 public charging devices nationwide—a 27% increase from the previous year. About 20% of these offer rapid charging at 50kW or more, essential for reducing journey downtime during longer trips. Roughly half of all chargers are 'destination' points located at places like shopping centres or leisure venues, balancing the network's needs between quick top-ups and longer dwell time charging. Urban 'on street' chargers also constitute over a third of devices, reflecting efforts to enhance accessibility even in residential and city areas.

These trends fit within a broader shift toward generating community and industry-wide value through premium EV infrastructure. By raising customer satisfaction with electric vehicles, such facilities help reduce complaints and foster repeat purchases for manufacturers, while also underpinning fleet electrification decisions by demonstrating network reliability. Moreover, premium charging destinations can stimulate local economies, attract visitors, and build sustainable transport credentials for their regions, converting sceptics through direct experience rather than theoretical debate.

GRIDSERVE’s plans to expand the Electric Forecourt® model nationally aim to further cement this approach, creating over 100 ultra-fast charging hubs equipped with amenities like coffee shops, fresh food markets, and lounges with internet access. These hubs cater not only to private owners but also to fleet operators, aspiring to provide convenient, low-cost, and rapid charging that supports the UK’s transport decarbonisation goals.

The rise of charging superhubs, defined as locations with six or more rapid chargers, reinforces the trend toward creating destination-style EV infrastructure. The UK saw 49 new superhubs installed in early 2025, bringing the total to 586 nationwide. These sites prioritise faster charging and sustainable energy use, reflecting the sector’s push toward an integrated, user-friendly network that encourages longer journeys and mainstream EV use.

In summary, the UK’s electric vehicle infrastructure has matured from a nascent network to a robust, expansive system on the cusp of transforming consumer experiences and accelerating EV adoption. The emphasis on premium, strategically located charging destinations—championed by GRIDSERVE and supported by government investment—signals a new era where infrastructure actively drives the transition to electric mobility, making EV ownership not just viable but preferable.

📌 Reference Map:

Paragraph 1 – ^[1] (Transport + Energy)
Paragraph 2 – ^[1] (Transport + Energy), ^[2] (UK Government), ^[3] (UK Government)
Paragraph 3 – ^[1] (Transport + Energy)
Paragraph 4 – ^[1] (Transport + Energy), ^[2] (UK Government), ^[3] (UK Government), ^[4] (UK Government)
Paragraph 5 – ^[1] (Transport + Energy)
Paragraph 6 – ^[1] (Transport + Energy), ^[5] (GRIDSERVE)
Paragraph 7 – ^[1] (Transport + Energy), ^[6] (EVCandi)
Paragraph 8 – ^[1] (Transport + Energy), ^[2] (UK Government), ^[5] (GRIDSERVE)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://transportandenergy.com/2025/10/28/stand-out-ev-infrastructure-that-unlocks-ev-potential/ - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electric-vehicle-public-charging-infrastructure-statistics-july-2025/electric-vehicle-public-charging-infrastructure-statistics-july-2025 - As of 1 July 2025, the UK had 82,002 public electric vehicle charging devices, marking a 27% increase from the previous year. Of these, 16,677 devices (20%) offered 50kW or more, while 44,231 devices (54%) provided 3kW to 8kW charging. Additionally, 40,109 devices (49%) were designated as 'destination' chargers, and 30,169 devices (37%) were 'on street' chargers. This growth reflects the UK's commitment to expanding EV infrastructure to support the rising adoption of electric vehicles.
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electric-vehicle-public-charging-infrastructure-statistics-april-2025/electric-vehicle-public-charging-infrastructure-statistics-april-2025 - As of 1 April 2025, the UK had 76,507 public electric vehicle charging devices, a 28% increase from the previous year. Among these, 15,446 devices (20%) offered 50kW or more, and 42,874 devices (56%) provided 3kW to 8kW charging. The data also highlighted that 37,435 devices (49%) were 'destination' chargers, and 28,316 devices (37%) were 'on street' chargers, indicating significant growth in both urban and rural areas.
https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/electric-vehicle-public-charging-infrastructure-statistics-january-2025/electric-vehicle-public-charging-infrastructure-statistics-january-2025 - As of 1 January 2025, the UK had 73,334 public electric vehicle charging devices, a 37% increase from the previous year. Of these, 14,448 devices (20%) offered 50kW or more, and 41,678 devices (57%) provided 3kW to 8kW charging. The data also showed that 35,995 devices (49%) were 'destination' chargers, and 26,318 devices (36%) were 'on street' chargers, reflecting the rapid expansion of EV infrastructure across the country.
https://www.gridserve.com/pressroom/gridserve-today-announces-plans-to-build-a-uk-wide-network-of-more-than-100-electric-forecourts/ - GRIDSERVE has announced plans to build a UK-wide network of over 100 Electric Forecourts®, designed specifically for electric vehicle drivers. Each Electric Forecourt® will feature rapid charging facilities, dedicated zones for private and fleet vehicles, and amenities such as coffee shops, fresh food, convenience supermarkets, and lounges with high-speed internet. The initiative aims to provide convenient, ultra-fast, low-cost charging for all types of EVs, enhancing the charging experience and supporting the transition to electric mobility.
https://www.evcandi.com/news/superhubs-lead-way-continued-growth-uk-ev-charging-infrastructure - Charging hubs, defined as locations with six or more rapid or ultra-rapid devices, have shown the highest growth in the UK's EV charging infrastructure. In the first quarter of 2025, 49 new charging hubs were installed, bringing the total to 586 across the country. These hubs are particularly popular among electric vehicle drivers for longer journeys and are setting the future direction for EV infrastructure, focusing on faster charging times, sustainable energy systems, and enhanced amenities.
https://www.zap-map.com/news/may-2023-ev-market-growth - As of May 2023, the UK had 43,626 electric vehicle charging points across 25,413 locations, providing over 70,000 charging connectors. This represents a 38% increase in the total number of charging devices since May 2022. The expansion includes 332 ultra-rapid charge points, a 99% increase since May 2022, highlighting the rapid growth and development of the UK's EV charging infrastructure to support the increasing number of electric vehicles on the road.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative is recent, dated October 28, 2025, and appears to be original content. The earliest known publication date of similar content is February 7, 2025, when Daniel Kunkel was appointed CEO of GRIDSERVE. ([transportandenergy.com](https://transportandenergy.com/2025/02/07/gridserve-appoints-daniel-kunkel-as-ceo-to-accelerate-growth/?utm_source=openai)) The report is based on an exclusive comment piece by Kunkel for Transport + Energy, indicating a high freshness score. No evidence of recycled news or republishing across low-quality sites was found.

Quotes check

Score: 10

Notes: The direct quotes attributed to Daniel Kunkel in the narrative are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, suggesting original or exclusive content. No variations in quote wording were found, indicating consistency.

Source reliability

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative originates from Transport + Energy, a publication focusing on transport and energy sectors. While it is not as widely known as major outlets like the BBC or Reuters, it is a specialised source within its field. The report is based on an exclusive comment piece by Daniel Kunkel, CEO of GRIDSERVE, indicating a direct source. No unverifiable entities or fabricated information were identified.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with known developments in the UK's electric vehicle infrastructure. The expansion of GRIDSERVE's Electric Forecourts® and the increase in public charging points are consistent with previous reports. The tone and language used are appropriate for the subject matter and region. No excessive or off-topic details were found, and the structure is coherent.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is recent, original, and based on an exclusive comment piece by Daniel Kunkel, CEO of GRIDSERVE. The quotes are unique, and the source, Transport + Energy, is a specialised publication within its field. The claims made are plausible and align with known developments in the UK's electric vehicle infrastructure. No signs of recycled content, disinformation, or unverifiable entities were found.

Electric Vehicles
Charging Infrastructure
GRIDSERVE