Electric cars in UK outnumber charging points by 15 to one

Experts estimate that over half of British adults will drive an electric car by 2030

The government announced in March that it aims to install 300,000 public charging points by 2030 (Getty Images)

Electric cars now outnumber public charging points by at least 15 to one despite more than half a million of them being driven in Britain, new figures have found.

In the last year alone, the ratio of electric cars to charging points has tripled, according to analysis by lease firm Novuna Vehicle Solutions.

Experts estimate that over half of British adults will drive an electric car by 2030, when sales of new petrol and diesel cars will be phased out. The government announced in March that it aims to install 300,000 public charging points by then.

They also aim for all new cars and vans to be fully zero emission at the tailpipe by 2035.

In the last 10 years, around 30,000 public charging points have been installed despite growing numbers of electric car drivers.

Even if the government meets its installation targets, the ratio of cars to charging points would increase to 54 to one due to the surge of people moving to electric cars.

More than half a million pure battery-electric vehicles are on UK roads, new figures show (John Walton/PA) (PA Wire)

Jonny Barry, of Novuna Vehicle Solutions, told The Telegraph: “The government vows to have 300,000 public chargers installed by 2030, but with just 32,000 devices on the ground today, our research puts into question whether this target is achievable.

“Our findings highlight how the charging network is not only a cause of frustration for EV drivers but also the millions of petrol and diesel drivers looking to transition to electric sooner rather than later.

“Having to queue for a charge is a concern raised all too often by motorists, illustrating just how pressing it is for more charge points to be installed as a matter of urgency.”