Outlook: positive, with stronger growth from 2026
The UK EV charger market experienced a moderate 3% increase in retail selling prices in 2025, following several years of strong expansion.
The slowdown in market growth in 2025 reflects several influences, including the wait to gain substation upgrades from a District Network Operator and the wider bureaucracy of the LEVI fund designed to help councils install street chargers, with the first wave of funded chargers only hitting the streets in late 2025. Investor concerns about a slower-than-expected transition to EVs are also likely to have affected the rollout of new infrastructure. Additionally, the market is transitioning from the rapid land-grab phase to a greater focus on reliability, upgrading previously installed equipment, and grid navigation.
After subdued growth in 2025, the market is expected to return to double digit annual growth from 2026 to 2030. This improvement is driven by three systemic blockages that are now easing, see more information below.
National Grid Connection
For years, the major issue for operators has been a two to five-year wait for a National Grid connection. As of early 2026, new Ofgem and NESO reforms have changed the situation. A new “gated” connection process has kicked out hundreds of “zombie” projects that were sitting on power capacity without building anything. This has instantly freed up capacity for ready-to-go charging hubs. For the first time, network operators face financial penalties for missing agreed-upon connection dates, forcing them to prioritise EV infrastructure.
£381 Million Levi Fund
The £381 million LEVI fund has been seen as the “missing piece” for residents without driveways, but it spent 2024 and 2025 stuck in the planning and tender stages. Most councils completed their tenders in late 2025. In 2026, these contracts are moving into the “mobilisation” phase. Moreover, for every £1 of government LEVI funding, private operators (like Connected Kerb or Believ) are often investing £2 to £3 of their own capital. This is expected to trigger a surge in thousands of on-street “bollard” and “lamppost” chargers starting in 2026.
The ZEV Mandate
The ZEV Mandate (effective from 2024) sets legally binding zero emission car sales targets for manufacturers – rising from 28% in 2025 to 33% in 2026 and 38% in 2027. Car manufacturers are currently not on track to meet these targets, which means they will likely need to offer greater discounts on EVs to encourage consumer purchases or introduce more affordable models. More EVs on the road directly justify the business case for more chargers.
Market Changes Impacting Growth
There are further market changes impacting market growth. 2025 was characterised by significant levels of replacing old, less reliable, technology. In 2026, the Public Charge Point Regulations have moved from “suggested” to “enforced”. Every new rapid charger must have contactless payment. Networks must now report reliability data to the government. This has increased investor confidence in the sector.
Additionally, in January 2026, energy networks launched a consultation to lower the statutory voltage limit (from 216V to 207V). If adopted, this change would allow more low‑carbon technologies, including EV chargers, to be supplied from a single location without tripping over‑voltage protections, effectively extending existing network capacity.
Positive Demand and Technology Trends
Positive trends in demand and technology will also continue to drive market growth. Demand signals remain strong across residential (off and on street), destination and ultra rapid enroute charging. Technological advancements – particularly ultra rapid chargers and vehicle to grid (V2G) capabilities – are set to support more flexible, resilient and higher capacity charging networks as the market scales.
Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Market Report by Barbour ABI
This report provides a comprehensive review of the overall market, including an assessment of the market size and trends, key companies involved in this marketplace and the varied influencing factors. The overall market spans the requirements of the domestic, private commercial and public sectors.
Click below to view this report on our store website where you can see an exhaustive list of the table of contents, market summary, and more.
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