Power surge: the commercial opportunity in the UK’s EV charging revolution
As the UK doubles down on its commitment to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, the spotlight has shifted to the country’s electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure – and the verdict is clear: we’re not keeping pace.
At the end of May 2025, the UK had just under 81,000 public EV charge points, according to Zapmap. While this marks steady progress, it falls drastically short of the government’s stated ambition of 300,000 by 2030. But even that target underestimates the true demand. Adjusting for the 40% of UK households without off-street parking, realistic market need exceeds 530,000 chargers, implying a 619% growth requirement, according to Savills research.
The Landlord Advantage
The current infrastructure shortfall offers a compelling business case for commercial landlords to lead the charge (literally). Retail parks, logistics hubs, pub portfolios, leisure destinations, and urban residential sites are all prime real estate for high-traffic charging installations.
As government funding ramps up, including the £381m Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, there is also increasing private capital investment, including £300m for Believ to roll out 30,000 chargers, and a further projected £6 billion in private capital for other charge point operators (CPOs) – site owners can access growing pools of public and private investment. Some landlords have already seen returns of up to £10,000 per bay per annum.
The Charging Landscape: Power by Speed
While the number of chargers is growing, not all are created equal. As of June 2025, charger distribution by power output is as follows:
This mix of speed tiers creates differentiated use cases across property types. Retail parks benefit from rapid and ultra-rapid chargers that align with typical shopping dwell times, while slow chargers may suit residential blocks or long-stay car parks.
Planning Barriers Eased
The regulatory environment is also improving. As of 29 May 2025, planning applications are no longer required for standard charge point installations in England, significantly streamlining rollout. This legislative shift reduces friction for landlords and CPOs, paving the way for faster deployments across both urban and rural sites.
EV Uptake: Speed Bumps Ahead?
Despite infrastructure investment, consumer adoption remains bumpy. In May 2025, 150,070 new EV registrations were recorded, a slight decrease from 159,289 in March, according to the SMMT. The EV market share is projected to hit 23.7% in 2025 – short of the 28% ZEV mandate. Analysts cite high upfront vehicle costs, inconsistent charging access, and the reintroduction of Vehicle Excise Duty for EVs over £40,000 as key factors in buyer hesitancy.
Yet, price dynamics are improving: two in five used EVs now retail for under £20,000, and running costs can be as low as 2p per mile, enhancing their appeal for fleet operators and cost-conscious consumers.
The Logistics Frontier
Fleet electrification is also accelerating. Innovate UK has announced plans for 54 new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) charging hubs, signalling a critical shift in commercial transport. This development opens the door for logistics-focused landlords and motorway-adjacent sites to tap into high-volume, high-frequency EV traffic.
Revenue Outlook: A Market in Ascendancy
According to Statista, the UK EV charging station market is set to generate £278.5 million in revenue in 2025, rising to £354.4 million in 2026. With nearly 725,000 EVs expected on UK roads by 2028, infrastructure-linked income streams – whether from leasing, direct charging revenue, or ESG-aligned valuations – are only set to grow.
Case in Point: The Pub Portfolio
One notable example is Savills partnership with a major UK pub company. Across 169 sites, Savills conducted grid capacity analysis, guided CPO selection, and oversaw planning and legal negotiations. The rollout is now in legal stages, aiming to install chargers that not only support sustainability goals but also extend dwell times and site value.
Conclusion: Charge Ahead, or Fall Behind
The UK’s EV charging sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. Lagging adoption and regulatory uncertainty pose risks, but for those with the right property, partners, and planning, the upside is significant. In a market expected to more than triple by the end of the decade, now is the time for commercial real estate to seize the momentum.
FURTHER INFORMATION
With expertise spanning real estate, planning, and infrastructure, Savills is uniquely placed to advise landlords and investors navigating this evolving landscape. From granular grid feasibility modelling to tendering support and valuation advisory, our integrated approach helps unlock long-term returns from an increasingly electrified future.
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