EV charging in 2025: Why the industry needs to change gear

By Abbie Rann - Head of Marketing, Octopus Electroverse

The early days of EV adoption—from 2010 to 2017—were defined by very few public chargers. Back then, free or low-cost charging was mainly offered to encourage early adopters, and most drivers charged at home. For most businesses, switching to electric vehicles just wasn’t practical.

Today, there are 74,611 electric vehicle charging points across the UK—about one for every 19 EVs on the road. That’s around nine times more than the number of petrol stations. This means it’s easier than ever for businesses to manage electric fleets across multiple locations.

We’ve come a long way in just a few years—and now, it’s time to shift our focus from improving availability to boosting the charging experience.

A new era for public charging

Enter Electroverse. Born in 2021 out of drivers’ frustration with juggling multiple apps and payment systems, Electroverse was built on one simple idea: make public charging as easy as filling up at a petrol station.

Here’s how we’re doing it:

• Easy access: One login, one payment system, and access to over 920,000 charging points across Europe.
• Transparent pricing: No hidden markups. Our dynamic “plunge pricing” gives you real-time discounts during off-peak times.
• Clear information: See nearby chargers, compare speeds and rates, check amenities, and even navigate there—from your phone or directly in your car.
• Smart route planning: Our tool calculates your remaining battery, suggests charging stops, and estimates costs along your journey.

Just as petrol drivers don’t need to worry about the mechanics behind a fuel pump, EV drivers using Electroverse can focus on their journey without thinking about where their next charge is coming from.

Business charging, electrified

Charging is just as simple for businesses. Whether it’s a small team or a nationwide fleet, we take the hassle out of public charging—giving businesses a single, streamlined platform to manage it all.

We do this by providing:

• Simple charging for drivers: Employees get access to Europe’s largest public charging network, and can charge using their Electroverse app and Electrocard.
• Helpful insights: Businesses get customisable reports on driver charging habits, locations, and costs—so they always know what’s going on.
• Easy payments: No more chasing receipts! Everything’s managed through one monthly invoice, with fleet charging paid for via direct debit.

And it couldn’t be easier to sign up. UK businesses, including sole traders, limited companies, partnerships, and charities, can create an account in minutes. They get three months free, and after that, it’s just £4.50 per month, per driver—with no hidden fees.

What’s next?

EV adoption in Europe is set to jump 40% in 2025—from 1.9 million to 2.7 million vehicles. As demand grows, charging infrastructure and government policies have to keep pace. Here’s what we think needs to change:

• Replace medium-speed chargers: Drivers need two clear options—a slow, energy-efficient charge for home or street parking, and a rapid charge when on the move. By removing medium-speed chargers, which serve neither purpose well, we can cut wait times and boost convenience.
• Develop smarter pricing models: Electroverse has shown that charging during off-peak times eases pressure on the grid and saves you money. With the EU mandating smart charging in every new station under the ‘Fit for 55’ package and the UK investing £16 million in smart charging tech, the future is looking brighter and smarter for EV drivers.
• Address range anxiety: Modern EVs can cover over 397 miles on a single charge—more than enough for daily needs. Yet 78% of car buyers still worry about range. Honest education about charging and real-world performance can help clear up these concerns.
• Remove cost barriers: High upfront costs put off 54% of potential buyers. But initiatives like our salary sacrifice scheme are narrowing the affordability gap—making EV ownership an option for a broader range of drivers.
• Support policy changes: There’s growing momentum for policy reforms to boost EV adoption. In the UK, for example, the government is under pressure to address the disparity between the 20% VAT on public charging and the 5% VAT on other fuels. Better policies will lower costs and speed up the transition to electric mobility.

Towards a more connected future for EV charging

Europe’s EV landscape has come a long way, and we’re working with industry partners to keep up the progress. With Electroverse, charging is getting simpler, more reliable, and more accessible. We’re not just catching up with old systems—we’re working hard to make charging your EV even easier than filling up with petrol or diesel.

By investing in smarter pricing models, supporting practical policy changes, and continually improving the user experience, we’re paving the way for a more connected and intuitive EV future.