Zapmap survey supports the importance of public EV charging
If you’re an EV driver, or looking to make the switch, you’ll probably know Zapmap well! When you’re planning your route, Zapmap can be invaluable in providing up to date info on where operational EV chargers are, and with over 850,000 users it’s certainly a popular tool. Every year (for the past 7), Zapmap has conducted a driver survey to find out more about EV driver behaviour and responses to things like charge point infrastructure, locations, volume of options, and the vehicles themselves. The results of the 2024 survey have just been published in their annual charging insights report, and they make interesting reading.
Results highlights
Over 3,746 drivers of fully electric vehicles have taken part, and here are the key take outs:
- 71% of respondents have a dedicated home charger, but 51% use public charging at least monthly
- The average satisfaction rating for publicly available chargers was 64 out of 100
- 61% of responding drivers say public charging infrastructure has improved in the last year for reliability and overall growth
- The use of charging hubs is on the rise, with 53% saying they use hubs to charge. This has risen from 47% last year, reflecting the growth in hub destinations. Zapmap reports there are 486 rapid charging hubs across the UK, open to all EVs.
- Motorway service stations are currently still the most popular place to charge with 58% of respondents charging EVs there
- Supermarket charging has dropped to 38%, potentially due to the removal of free charging options
- Drivers are also satisfied with their EVs. Zapmap reports an average satisfaction score of 87 out of 100, with cost-effectiveness (78%), environmental benefits (73%), and better vehicle performance (65%) as the reasons for owning an EV.
The continuing importance of Public EV Charging Infrastructure
With over half of survey respondents using public charging infrastructure, it just goes to show that reliable, publicly available EV charging is more important than ever.
According to Zapmap’s own figures, public charging has increased by 38% over the last 12 months andZapmap’s latest survey finds that that 61% of respondents say public charging infrastructure has improved in the last year in terms of reliability and growth.
With the new rules for Charge Point Operators (CPOs) now in effect, it will be interesting to see what the coming years brings too, in terms of improved customer experience.
Reaction
Jade Edwards, Head of Insights at Zapmap, said:
“As the UK transitions to electric, with now over 1.3 million BEVs on our roads, it’s good to see EV drivers reporting an increase in satisfaction with the charging infrastructure. However, to further improve on this, it is more important than ever for reliable, accessible, and efficient charging options to be available in the right locations to support this transformation.”
At Joju Charging, we couldn’t agree more! We’re working hard to achieve this and are looking forward to sharing more news with you in 2025 about the hubs we’re installing up and down the country.
As Joju’s CEO, Joe Michaels, commented:
“It’s encouraging to see the positive EV driver responses in the latest Zapmap survey, and not surprising to see the results reinforcing the importance of public EV Charging Infrastructure. Joju Charging is continuing to partner with councils and public bodies across the UK, to put more charging infrastructure in the ground as quickly and reliably as possible. 2025 looks very exciting as we install more hub sites with CPO Mer”.
Watch this space for more in the New Year.
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