Almost half of UK homes unsuitable for EV charging points – Research finds

New research, carried out by Lloyds Bank, has found that only 56% of UK homes can support electric vehicle charging, whilst over two fifths of houses are unsuitable. Here’s how Zest’s public charging network can help.

With new EV registrations at an all-time high, up 40% compared to 2021, and EV adoption set to increase further, as the UK government’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars quickly approaches, more public infrastructure will be required to make EV charging accessible to all.

Although the government has taken steps to tackle challenges to charger access at home, with new legislation stating that all new-build houses must have EV charging capability, those who live in pre-existing homes without access to driveways, garages or designated parking spaces risk being left behind in the EV revolution.  

Unsurprisingly, Lloyds Bank found that homeowners with garages feel the most positive about EV charging at home, whilst charging anxiety remains a real concern for many without this luxury, as doubts continue over current public charger capability. In fact, the research found that over a quarter of petrol car drivers still believe that the UK’s charging infrastructure is not up to scratch.  

The height of these concerns was found to vary across the UK. Londoners feel the most positive about public EV charging coverage, as 54% believe it is sufficient, whilst only a fifth of Midlanders feel the same. Nationally, less than a third of the population thinks that the UK currently has enough EV charging points.

Nick Williams, transport director for Lloyds Bank, argues that these results highlight the need for an improved public EV charging infrastructure.

He continued: “The growth we have seen in electric vehicle registrations is encouraging but, with many in the UK living in properties where installing a home charging port isn’t a viable option, having a reliable charging infrastructure is absolutely vital for the UK’s transition to net zero.

“The Government has made positive steps by ensuring new build homes are fully equipped to have charging facilities, but many will have to continue to rely on charging an electric vehicle somewhere other than at home. This means there remains a need for focused investment in public charging points in residential - and particularly rural - areas.”

As EV charging experts, Zest’s mission is to make the shift to EV realistic for everyone, even when it is impossible to charge at home. Through its fully funded and managed model, Zest provides charging infrastructure to both public and commercial landowners, creating a network that makes charging easy, convenient and accessible to all.

So, if you’re a public or commercial landowner, get in touch today to find out how a partnership with Zest can help drive the EV revolution forwards.

‍