Open Data Puts the UK’s EV Market on Charge

UK to mandate open EV charging data, boosting transparency, trust, and competition

8 Oct 2025

The UK’s electric vehicle sector is entering a more transparent phase under new rules that could redefine competition across public charging networks.

From 24 November 2024, the Public Charge Point Regulations will require all charge point operators to publish reference and availability data in a machine-readable format for every public charger. The move aims to create a single, consistent source of information on network performance and access.

The Department for Transport has appointed Zapmap to manage the national dataset and ensure uniform standards. While operators must share core data on location and status, the framework also allows for the future inclusion of detailed metrics such as downtime and session records.

By September 2025, the UK had more than 86,000 public charging devices across 43,000 locations, a rapid rise from 76,000 earlier in the year. The pace of growth has outstripped earlier projections and increased the need for accurate, real-time data.

Officials say the transparency initiative will address long-standing complaints about unreliable chargers and inconsistent pricing. Open access to availability data is expected to support route planning, investment decisions and service reliability for drivers, fleets and local authorities.

Some charge point operators have raised concerns over sharing operational data, citing cybersecurity and competitive risks. Industry analysts argue, however, that improved consumer trust and system planning will outweigh these concerns.

The regulation may encourage consolidation and data-driven collaboration across the sector, rewarding operators that invest in digital reporting and network reliability.

By linking open data with its net-zero transport agenda, the UK government hopes to strengthen its position as a European leader in digital mobility policy. As the country advances towards its 2030 zero-emission target, officials say transparent information may prove as critical to progress as the chargers themselves.