More electric vehicle charging points needed in Stoke to meet massive demand

Transport bosses predict the city will see a 3000% uptake in EV drivers

EV charge point sign
Author: Adam SmithPublished 7th Mar 2024
Last updated 15th Apr 2024

It's claimed Stoke-on-Trent is seeing an 'electric vehicle boom' - with experts warning there's not enough charging points locally to meet demand.

New research from Midlands Connect suggests the city could see more than 42,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of the decade.

New research forecasts have shown Stoke-on-Trent require a further 1,264 public charging points by 2030 to support the increase in EV use over the next decade, an 1,915% increase from the 66 chargers existing across the region today.

Estimates suggest that by 2030, the Midlands could be home to over 2 million EVs, with just under 1 in 3 (32.5%) vehicles being electric. To support this growing number of EVs, 58,997 new public EV charging points must be installed across the Midlands by the end of the decade. This means installing 27 new EVCPs every day, 194 per week, and 9,832 per year until the end of 2030.

There's a predicted rise from 1,382 EVs today to 42,078 on Stoke roads by the end of 2030.

Commenting on the research, Midlands Connect’s CEO Maria Machancoses said:

“It’s clear Stoke-on-Trent is still on the brink of a boom in Electric Vehicles, that could see over 42,000 electric cars on its streets by the end of decade.

“Local Authorities across the Midlands are doing a great job to roll out charging points, but they cannot do this alone. We’re already working with Local Authorities to support their work and help secure EV infrastructure funding from Government.

“Our conference today allowed us to bring together many different aspects of the EV industry, including Government, to discuss the challenges and opportunities ahead. We want to make the Midlands the home of the green industrial revolution.”

Figures suggest Stoke-on-Trent will see a 2,945% increase in uptake in electric vehicles by the end of 2030.

Councillor Amjid Wazir, Cabinet member for City Pride, Sustainability and Enforcement at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said:

“We’re pleased to be working with Midlands Connect and a consortium of local authorities to roll out EV charging infrastructure across Stoke-on-Trent. This partnership approach will enable us to access additional resources, expertise and knowledge while the LEVI investment will support the installation of accessible public charging points to meet growing demand in residential areas of the city, particularly where there is limited private off-street parking.”

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.