If you’ve been sitting on the fence about switching your business over to electric vehicles, you’ve probably heard the same old worry time and again: “But is there anywhere to plug it in?” For a long time, “range anxiety” has been the biggest speed bump for UK drivers. But we’ve got some cracking news that might just change your mind. According to the latest data from the Department for Transport (DfT), we’ve officially hit a massive milestone. In the UK, public electric vehicle (EV) chargers now significantly outnumber individual fuel pumps.

Let’s dive into the numbers and see what this means for you and your fleet.

The Big Switch: By the Numbers

It’s easy to feel like petrol stations are everywhere because we’re so used to seeing them. But the landscape is shifting faster than most people realise.

As of early 2026, the DfT reported that there are now 116,052 public EV chargers across the UK. Compare that to the estimated 60,802 fuel pumps currently in operation, and the picture becomes very clear: the infrastructure for the future is already here.

Why the Gap is Widening

• Rapid Rollout: Thousands of new charging points are being installed every month, from ultra-rapid hubs at motorway services to convenient “top-up” points in supermarket car parks.
  
• Declining Forecourts: While EV chargers are popping up everywhere, the number of traditional petrol stations has been slowly declining for years as land is repurposed and demand shifts.
  
• Government Backing: Huge investment into the UK’s charging network is part of the broader plan to meet net-zero targets.

For a deeper look at how these stats are compiled, you can check out the latest research from the RAC Foundation, which has been tracking these trends for years.

Is “Range Anxiety” Finally a Thing of the Past?

The short answer? It should be. While we often think of a petrol station as a single destination, EV charging is much more flexible. You aren’t just looking for a “charging station”; you’re looking for a plug.

With nearly double the number of places to “fill up” with electricity compared to petrol or diesel, the convenience factor has flipped. For fleet drivers, this means less time detouring to find a specific forecourt and more time charging while they’re already parked at a delivery site, a hotel, or a depot.

How to Handle the Transition with Fleet Service GB

Knowing the chargers are out there is one thing, but managing a fleet’s transition to electric is a whole different ball game. You need to think about home charging, public charging costs, and making sure your drivers know how to get the best out of their new tech.

That’s where we come in. Fleet Service GB is built to take the headache out of the “Big Switch.” We help businesses move from internal combustion engines to electric power without skipping a beat.

How we support your EV journey:

• Data-Driven Planning: We help you identify which of your vehicles are ready to go electric based on their daily mileage and age.
  
• Maintenance & Specialist Support: EVs have different maintenance needs, and our team is fully equipped to manage them.

To see how we can streamline your entire operation, take a look at our Fleet Management page.

Supporting Your Drivers

It’s not just about the vans and cars; it’s about the people behind the wheel. Moving to an EV requires a bit of a mindset shift, learning about regenerative braking, pre-conditioning, and how to find the fastest chargers.

Our Driver Management services ensure your team feels confident and supported. We provide the tools and training they need to stay safe and efficient on the road, ensuring your transition is a success from day one.

FAQs About UK EV Charging Infrastructure

Are there really more EV chargers than petrol pumps?

Yes! As of the latest 2026 figures, there are over 116,000 public EV chargers compared to roughly 60,000 fuel pumps. This doesn’t mean there are more locations (petrol stations often have multiple pumps). However, it does mean there are more individual points where an EV can plug in simultaneously.

Are all EV chargers “fast”?

No, they come in different speeds. Slow/Fast chargers (7kW–22kW) are great for when you’re parked for a few hours. Rapid and Ultra-Rapid chargers (50kW–350kW) are designed for quick stops, often getting an EV to 80% charge in about 20–40 minutes.

Can I use any public charger?

Most modern chargers in the UK use the standard “Type 2” or “CCS” connectors, which work with almost every EV on the market today. Many now also allow “contactless” payment, making them as easy to use as a petrol pump.

FAQs About Fleet Service GB

What does Fleet Service GB actually do?

We are a technology-led fleet management company. We help businesses manage everything from vehicle maintenance and accident management to driver safety and the transition to electric vehicles.

How do you help with “Grey Fleet” drivers?

If your employees use their own cars for work, we can help manage the risk and compliance involved. This ensures their vehicles are safe, insured, and fit for purpose.

Summary: The Road Ahead is Electric

The data is in, and the message is clear: the UK’s charging network is growing at an incredible pace. With EV chargers now outnumbering fuel pumps, the “range anxiety” excuse is running out of steam.

Transitioning your fleet doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the right data, the right strategy, and a partner like Fleet Service GB, you can lower your emissions and your costs at the same time.

Ready to future-proof your fleet? Learn more about how we can help you manage your vehicles and your people by visiting our Fleet Management and Driver Management pages today.