Electric vehicles are no longer a niche. In the first half of 2025, EVs accounted for over 21% of all new car sales, and there are now more than 1.6 million fully electric vehicles on UK roads - a 685%increase in just five years.

For public venues, this rapid shift creates a clear opportunity. EV drivers are increasingly reliant on public charging, and venues that invest early will be better placed to attract customers, increase dwell time and future-proof their sites for 2026 and beyond.

EV Demand Is Growing Faster Than Charging Supply

While the UK’s public charging network continues to expand, EV ownership is growing faster. Nearly one in five drivers still cite a lack of public charging as the main barrier to switching to electric.

At the same time, charging behaviour has fundamentally changed:

• Over half of EV drivers now charge entirely at public charge points
• Nine in ten rely on public charging to some degree
• Fewer than 3% charge exclusively at home

Public charging is no longer a “nice to have” - it is essential infrastructure.

What This Means for Public Venues

EV drivers actively plan journeys around charger availability. That means charging provision directly influences where people stop, stay and spend.

For different venues, the benefits are clear:

Hospitality
EV charging is fast becoming an expected guest amenity. Hotels and resorts that offer charging can increase booking appeal, support overnight dwell time and create additional revenue opportunities.

Retail & Leisure
Charging turns parking time into dwell time. While vehicles charge, customers shop, eat, train or stay longer on site, driving footfall and spend.

Local Authorities
With most drivers relying on public infrastructure, accessible charging is critical for residents without off-street parking and supports wider air-quality and net-zero goals.

Workplaces
Workplace charging is shifting from an employee perk to standard infrastructure, supporting staff retention, fleet electrification and ESG commitments.

Why Acting Now Matters

EV adoption is no longer unpredictable - it is a long-term, irreversible trend. By 2026, customer expectations will be higher, not lower.

Venues that act now can:

• Install charging ahead of peak demand
• Avoid rushed, reactive infrastructure later
• Spread investment over time
• Position EV charging as a long-term asset, not a retrofit

EV Charging as a Commercial Asset

EV drivers are highly committed:

• 91% would not return to petrol or diesel
• 86% find EVs cheaper to run

Venues that provide reliable, well-planned charging benefit from repeat visits, longer stays and stronger sustainability credentials, all while supporting the UK’s transition to electric transport.

Preparing Your Venue for 2026

For public venues, the question is no longer if EV charging is needed, but when.

At Connekt, we help public venues plan, install and future-proof EV charging infrastructure that delivers real commercial and operational value now and into 2026 and beyond.

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Ready to explore EV charging for your site?
Book your free EV charging feasibility assessment today - we’ll handle the site analysis, funding applications, and installation from start to finish.

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*Source: EV charging statistics 2025