30,000 Chargers and Counting: The UK’s EV Push Gains Speed

Believ’s £300M plan to install 30K EV chargers marks a big leap in the UK’s clean transport drive

3 Nov 2025

Believ has secured £300mn to expand the UK’s electric vehicle charging network, in one of the largest private investments yet in the sector. The funds, backed by Liberty Global and Zouk Capital, will support the installation of 30,000 public chargers nationwide, from urban centres to rural areas.

The investment comes as Britain seeks to meet its goal of 300,000 public charge points by 2030. As of mid-2025, fewer than 85,000 are in operation, underscoring the scale of the challenge. Rising electric vehicle sales have put pressure on the charging network, with accessibility and reliability seen as key barriers to wider adoption.

Major banks including Santander, NatWest, ABN Amro and MUFG are providing finance for the project. “This investment shows the maturity of the UK market,” said a Zouk Capital analyst. “EV charging is now viewed as essential national infrastructure, not just a green experiment.”

Believ’s expansion enters an increasingly competitive landscape. Energy costs, supply-chain constraints and strict operational targets will test the sector’s capacity to scale. The company will face competition from larger rivals such as Shell Recharge and BP Pulse, both of which have accelerated rollout plans in recent years.

Industry observers argue that expanding private investment will be crucial for meeting national climate and energy goals. Analysts expect that greater competition among network operators could improve reliability and pricing while supporting government ambitions for zero-emission transport.

Believ’s rollout marks a further consolidation of the UK’s charging ecosystem, which has shifted from fragmented local schemes to a more unified national framework. The company’s plans add to growing signs that public policy and private capital are converging to build the infrastructure required for a low-carbon economy.