EV charging infrastructure boosts construction opportunities

The boost to electric vehicle car sales stemming from recent fuel price volatility has created a brighter outlook for new construction work linked to EV charging infrastructure.

Industry figures show the sector’s workload grew by 19% last year, with almost 14,100 new public charge points installed during 2025, taking the nationwide total to around 87,800 devices. Demand for EV charging infrastructure is expected to continue growing as fully electric vehicles account for an increasing share of new car registrations.

Growth has been strongest in rapid and ultra-rapid charging facilities located across major road networks, retail parks and garage forecourts. These higher-powered installations are generating a growing number of EV charging projects and creating opportunities for civil engineering and electrical contractors. The installation of ultra-rapid charge points rated at 150kW and above rose by 41% last year to almost 10,000 units. These schemes typically involve higher-value works and generate more civils and electrical activity per site.

The number of larger charging hubs is also increasing. These facilities often require grid upgrades, transformer works, drainage, foundations and canopy construction, making them attractive opportunities for contractors involved in EV charging infrastructure delivery. According to Zapmap, there were around 748 UK charging hubs featuring six or more rapid devices by the end of last year, representing annual growth of around 39%.

Work is also expanding in the residential market. EV charger installation programmes involving on-street charging, lamppost chargers and kerbside facilities are becoming increasingly common as local authorities seek solutions for households without off-street parking. As a result, smaller EV charging projects are creating construction opportunities in towns and cities across the UK.

Planning Changes Support Infrastructure Growth

Government policy changes are also improving the outlook. Expanded permitted development rights have removed planning requirements for many home and workplace chargers, while proposals to allow cross-pavement charging channels without individual planning applications could significantly increase EV charging infrastructure deployment. Additional funding for local authorities and proposed changes to building regulations are expected to further support electric vehicle infrastructure growth.

Glenigan data continues to highlight a growing pipeline of EV charging infrastructure schemes ranging from smaller installations at retail parks, car parks and filling stations through to large-scale transport and local authority projects.

Significant Projects

Among the most significant projects identified in Glenigan data, a main contractor has been appointed for the £15.8 million Hickman Avenue Fleet and Council Service Facility Works Scheme in Wolverhampton. The development includes a new fleet services depot with EV charging provision and renewable energy facilities to support the council’s electric vehicle fleet (Project ID: 22175501).

EV charging capacity also forms part of the new £14 million Prestwich Travel Hub in Manchester, which will provide 26 EV charging spaces within a wider sustainable transport facility (Project ID: 25153295).

In Birmingham, detailed plans have been approved for the £490,000 Applegreen Kingstanding Service Station upgrade, which includes EV charging spaces alongside new fuel pumps, a canopy and a sales kiosk building (Project ID: 25536559).

Further opportunities are set to emerge through Shropshire Council’s £130 million LEVI Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure scheme, which is currently at pre-tender stage and is expected to begin next year (Project ID: 26377106).