Cornwall Races Ahead as EV Charging Points Surge by 18%

Cornwall has seen a significant rise in electric vehicle (EV) charging options over the past year, with the number of public chargepoints increasing by 18%.

Cornwall’s Electric Growth

As of 1st October 2025, there are 883 public charging devices in Cornwall, representing an 18% year-on-year increase. This equates to 153 charging devices per 100,000 people, placing Cornwall well above the UK average of 127 per 100,000.

Across the South West, there are now 6,133 public chargepoints, an increase of 1,123 since October 2024 — a 22.4% growth in just one year.

Powering Up the South West

Figures released today (Wednesday 30th October) show the South West’s expanding network is giving drivers more confidence to make the switch to electric. The UK’s overall charging network also grew by 23%, with over 15,000 new public chargers installed nationwide.

A new chargepoint is being added every 33 minutes, including more than 17,356 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers that can charge a car to 80% in just 20–40 minutes.

Government Backing the Switch

The Government has pledged over £381 million to deliver 100,000 more public chargers, part of its wider Plan for Change aimed at boosting British industry and creating green jobs.

The expansion follows the £650 million Electric Car Grant, which has already helped over 25,000 drivers switch to electric vehicles with discounts of up to £3,750 on 39 different models.

Minister for Decarbonisation Keir Mather said:

“There’s never been a better time to go electric – chargepoints are up 23% in a year, and we’re helping drivers save with discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars — all part of our Plan for Change.

We’re also cutting red tape so renters and those without driveways can access affordable home charging, making it easier and cheaper for everyone to make the switch.”

A Growing Network Across England

Between October 2024 and October 2025, the number of public EV charging devices in England outside of London rose by 23.4%, compared to 21.7% in London.

Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers near England’s Strategic Road Network have also nearly quadrupled in three years, making long-distance journeys easier for electric drivers.

The government is also consulting on plans to cut planning fees for home chargers by £250, allowing more households to benefit from cheaper charging — as little as 2p per mile, or around £2.50 from London to Birmingham.

Industry Response

Vicky Read, Chief Executive of ChargeUK, said:

“The EV charging industry is pulling out all the stops to help drivers go electric, investing billions of private capital into high-quality charging — supporting the government’s ambitions for growth and decarbonisation in the process.

The vast majority of EV drivers use the public networks and an increasing number will be wholly reliant on them. Meaning we need the right mix of affordable and easy to access charging at home and at work, on-street, en-route and at destinations to ensure everyone can make the switch.”

With Cornwall leading the way regionally, the expansion of the South West’s charging network marks a major step towards making electric travel easier and more accessible than ever.