Latest episode: UK EV market Q1 2026: price parity, charger metrics & new utilisation white paper
Zapmap’s definitive update on EV charging infrastructure data, trends, and market analytics. In this episode, we look at key updates, including infrastructure milestones and vehicle price parity, as well as exploring our recent network utilisation and efficiency report developed in collaboration with the Green Finance Institute. We also explain structural shifts in the market, including the industry’s transition to standardised power band naming conventions. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to never miss an episode.
Key insights from this session:
In this episode, we look at key updates, including infrastructure milestones and vehicle price parity, as well as exploring our recent network utilisation and efficiency report developed in collaboration with the Green Finance Institute. We also explain structural shifts in the market, including the industry’s transition to standardised power band naming conventions.
-- VIDEO CHAPTERS --
00:00 Introduction: Q1 2026 data, including a record 84,000 EV sales and post-discount price parity between new EVs and ICE vehicles
03:11 A deep dive into the industry's transition away from legacy terms ("slow, fast, rapid, ultra-rapid") to a standardised, use-case-driven framework, including the new Standard (3 to 7.9 kW) and Standard Plus (8 to 50 kW) descriptors
05:28 Demystifying utilisation – network utilisation & efficiency analysis: in collaboration with the Green Finance Institute, we evaluate energy delivery across the public network
06:47 Exploring the data behind real-world energy delivery versus label ratings
09:01 Future-proofing & grid optimisation: how CPOs are leveraging advanced data mapping, dynamic load balancing, phased capacity banking, and on-site solar/storage to maximise site efficiency. Case studies: Osprey, Eclipse, Moto
10:54 Policy asks
12:05 What's coming up and close
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
📊 Zapmap EV stats: https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats
⚡'DfT Get that electric feeling' campaign: https://cleanenergy.campaign.gov.uk/e...
🚗 EV charging infrastructure explained and power band explainer table: https://www.zapmap.com/ev-guides/ev-c...
🌲 Green Finance Institute 'Demystifying utilisation' report download: https://www.zapmap.com/ev-stats/downl...
💷 ChargeUK white paper, 'Delivering affordable charging for all': https://100dff85-2921-4f54-9cce-cd93c...
Key takeaways from the charge series:
- Infrastructure growth: expert analysis on the deployment of ultra-rapid charging hubs across the uk.
- Policy updates: simplified breakdowns of how new government mandates affect charging point operators (CPOs).
- User behaviour: data-backed insights into how uk drivers are interacting with the public network.
- Future tech: exploration of emerging trends such as v2g (vehicle-to-grid) and high-power charging developments.
