April 2025

The UK’s busiest EV charging spots – and how to dodge the crowds

Electric vehicles (EVs) are taking over the roads, but with that surge in popularity comes a whole new challenge: finding an open charger when you need one. If you've ever rolled up to a charging station only to see it packed, you're definitely not alone!

According to fresh data from Electroverse, charger availability across the UK is a bit of a rollercoaster. In 2024 alone, there were on average over 2 million charging sessions on the public network each month, with some hotspots getting seriously crowded at peak times. So, what's behind the traffic jam at EV chargers? Where are the busiest spots in the UK? And how can we make charging easier for everyone?

Let’s get plugged in..

Why are some charging stations always busy?

Ever pulled up to a public charger only to find every spot taken? You’re not alone. With more EVs hitting the roads every day, charger congestion is becoming a real challenge—especially in high-traffic areas. But why does it happen, and what can you do to avoid it?

More EVs, not enough chargers (yet)

EV adoption in the UK is booming, with over 1.2 million electric vehicles now on the road. While the government has pledged 300,000 public chargers by 2030, infrastructure in some areas simply hasn’t kept pace.

City centers and commuter hubs often have high charger demand during peak hours.
Motorway service stations see huge surges on weekends and holiday travel periods.
Workplace and residential chargers are still limited, pushing more people to rely on public options.

More chargers are coming, but for now, some locations remain hotspots for congestion.

Single charging point platform for electric vehicles. Piattaforma unica dei punti di ricarica per i veicoli elettrici.

Slow charging vs. fast charging

Not all public chargers are created equal, and that makes a big difference in availability.

Ultra-rapid chargers (100-350kW): Can top up an EV in 15-45 minutes, making them ideal for road trips.
Fast chargers (7-22kW): Common in city centers and car parks, but take several hours, leading to longer occupancy times.
Destination chargers (3-7kW): Great for overnight stays but not ideal for quick stops.

The slower the charger, the longer each session takes, which means fewer free spots at any given time.

Which Charging Providers Offer Rapid Charging, fast charging, ultra-rapid

Charger hogging & ICE-ing

Two of the biggest frustrations for EV drivers:

ICE-ing – When petrol or diesel cars park in EV charging bays. Despite fines in some areas, this still happens, reducing available spots.
Charger hogging – Some EV drivers leave their car plugged in long after it’s fully charged, blocking access for others.

Many networks now impose overstay fees to encourage fair usage, but congestion remains an issue at peak times.

According to Electroverse data, the busiest charging times are typically between 4 PM and 8 PM on weekdays, and 10 AM to 2 PM on weekends

The busiest charging spots in the UK

One of the biggest challenges for EV drivers is finding available chargers in high-demand areas. Based on real-world data and driver reports, certain locations across the UK consistently experience congestion at charging points. Understanding where - and why - these bottlenecks occur can help you plan smarter charging stops.

Motorway service stations

Motorway charging points are under particular strain due to the nature of long-distance EV travel. Unlike urban charging where drivers can often wait until they get home, motorway users typically need to charge en route to complete their journeys.

Some of the most congested include:

Watford Gap Services (M1, Northamptonshire)

Watford Gap has long been a famous stop on the M1, serving drivers traveling between London and the Midlands. With the increasing shift to electric vehicles, it’s also become a crucial charging location.

Why it’s busy: As one of the UK’s most frequently used motorway service stations, demand for EV chargers here is higher than average. In fact, a recent redevelopment proposal highlights plans to expand charging facilities to cater to the growing number of EV drivers.
What’s changing? There are discussions to revamp the site, which could include demolishing older buildings to make room for more chargers and better parking layouts. These improvements would help future-proof the station for the UK’s electric future.

Keele Services (M6, Staffordshire)

If you’re driving along the M6, Keele Services is a well-known pit stop—especially for those making long-distance journeys between the Midlands and the North.

Why it’s busy: Located between Junctions 15 and 16, it’s a key point for both private EV drivers and commercial fleet vehicles making cross-country trips.
What’s available? Keele has rapid charging stations as part of the Gridserve Electric Highway network, making it a reliable choice for those needing a quick top-up before continuing their journey.

Exeter Services (M5, Devon)

Heading to the beautiful beaches of Cornwall or exploring Devon’s rolling countryside? Exeter Services is one of the last major stops before entering the more rural South West, and it gets incredibly busy during holiday seasons.

Why it’s busy: In summer, this station sees a surge in traffic as families and holidaymakers head to the coast, leading to high demand for EV chargers.
What’s the situation? While Exeter Services already has a good number of high-powered chargers, reports suggest that demand regularly exceeds availability during peak times, particularly on summer weekends.

Urban charging hotspots

Charging your EV in city centres presents a new challenge! You are fighting the battle of high rates of EV ownership (which we love to see, cleaner air here we come!) and lack of home charging. This means the pressure is on for the public EV charging network to perform.

London (Westminster)

Westminster isn’t just home to Big Ben and Buckingham Palace—it’s also the UK’s busiest borough for EV charging. With more than 2,400 public chargers installed, it leads the country in EV infrastructure.

Why is demand so high?: London has more than 150,000 registered EVs, and while Westminster has invested heavily in on-street charging, the sheer number of drivers needing a top-up means spaces can fill up quickly—especially during working hours.
What's being done?: Westminster City Council continues to expand its network, with a focus on installing more high-speed chargers to reduce wait times.

Manchester (MediaCityUK)

Manchester is fast becoming an EV-friendly city, with projections suggesting 150,000 EVs will be on its roads by 2038. Business districts like MediaCityUK—home to the BBC, ITV, and thousands of workers—are seeing demand for charging outpace supply.

Why is demand so high? With more professionals commuting in EVs, chargers at MediaCityUK often get snapped up early in the morning—meaning by 9 AM, they’re frequently full.
What's being done? Manchester City Council has ambitious plans to expand charging infrastructure across the city, ensuring business areas like MediaCityUK can support the growing EV population.

Birmingham (Bullring shopping centre)

The Bullring is one of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations, attracting tens of thousands of visitors daily. With just 47 charging points available at its main car park, drivers often find themselves in a queue.

Why is demand so high? Peak shopping hours—11 AM to 3 PM—see these chargers in constant use, with retail workers and shoppers competing for limited spots.
What's being done? While there are plans to expand charging options, demand continues to exceed supply, making it essential for drivers to plan ahead or seek alternative locations nearby.

High demand rapid charging hubs

As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates, certain charging stations across the UK have become particularly busy. Let's explore some of these high-demand hubs:

Gridserve Electric Forecourt (Braintree, Essex)

Opened in December 2020, the Braintree Electric Forecourt was the UK's first dedicated EV charging station, boasting 36 ultra-rapid chargers capable of delivering up to 350kW. This facility can charge a compatible EV to 80% in approximately 20 minutes.

Capacity and demand: While designed to handle multiple vehicles simultaneously, the growing number of EVs has led to increased usage.
User experience: Drivers appreciate the reliability and speed of charging at this location. However, during peak travel times, such as weekends and holidays, the station can experience higher demand, leading to potential wait times.

IONITY Charging Station (Folkestone, Kent)

Strategically located near the Eurotunnel terminal, the IONITY station in Folkestone is a crucial stop for EV drivers heading to and from continental Europe. Equipped with multiple high-power chargers, it facilitates rapid charging for various EV models.

Capacity and demand: Due to its proximity to the Eurotunnel, this station experiences significant usage, especially during holiday seasons when many travelers are on the move. While exact queue lengths vary, it's advisable for drivers to anticipate potential delays during peak travel periods.
User experience: The station's high-speed chargers are praised for their efficiency. Nonetheless, during busy times, drivers might encounter waiting periods before accessing a charger.

Tesla Superchargers (Reading, M4)

Located along the M4 corridor, the Tesla Supercharger station in Reading is a vital charging point for Tesla owners traveling between London and the west of England. The station features multiple Superchargers, each capable of delivering rapid charging speeds.

Capacity and Demand: This station is known to be busy during late afternoons and early evenings, particularly between 4 PM and 7 PM. Tesla's network expansion aims to alleviate congestion, but high demand persists in key locations.
User Experience: Tesla drivers value the seamless integration of the Supercharger network with their vehicles, ensuring a straightforward charging process. However, during peak times, short waits may occur due to high utilisation rates.

How to check charger availability before you head out:

Want to avoid arriving at a full station? Here’s how to stay ahead:

Use real-time tracking – The Electroverse app shows charger availability so you can plan ahead.
Charge at off-peak times – Early mornings and late evenings usually have shorter wait times.
Have a backup plan – Check your route for alternative charging points in case your first choice is full.
Look for ultra-rapid hubs – These have multiple high-speed chargers, reducing wait times.

EV charger availability FAQs

How can I check if a charger is available before I arrive?

The Electroverse app provides real-time updates on charger status. Just open the map, find a charger, and check if it’s free. Some networks also allow you to start a session remotely to secure a spot.

When are EV chargers busiest?

The busiest times for public chargers are:

Weekday evenings (5-8 PM) – Commuters topping up after work.
Weekend afternoons (11 AM - 4 PM) – Shoppers and travelers using destination chargers.
Holiday periods – Expect queues at motorway service stations, especially near major getaway routes.

If possible, charge outside these peak times for a smoother experience.

Are there enough chargers for the growing number of EVs?

The UK is expanding its network, but some areas still face shortages. The government aims to have 300,000 public chargers by 2030—a fivefold increase from today’s numbers. Private networks are also investing heavily in new charging hubs to keep pace with demand.

What should I do if all chargers are full when I arrive?

Here’s what you can do:

Check alternative locations – Use the Electroverse app to find nearby chargers.
Be flexible – If possible, shift your charging to off-peak times.

Look for alternative charging speeds – Even if ultra-rapid chargers are full, a 22kW option nearby might still be quicker than waiting.

Can I reserve a public charger in advance?

Some networks, like Tesla and certain ultra-rapid hubs, allow reservations for a fee. However, most public chargers are first-come, first-served.

What happens if a charger is broken or offline?

Unfortunately, some chargers can be out of service due to maintenance or faults. Check our blog What to do if an EV charge point is broken or out of order? to find out what steps to take if you find yourself in this situation!