Friday 23rd August is expected to see a significant rise in electric vehicle (EV) charging across the UK, with Allstar, a leading provider of business EV, fuel, and expense payment solutions, predicting that more than a third of all EV charging over the August bank holiday will occur on this day alone.
The surge in demand represents a 16% increase compared to the next busiest day of the same period. This trend highlights the growing reliance on EVs for business travel, particularly during peak holiday times. Allstar’s analysis underscores the continued growth in public charging usage, with a remarkable 264% year-on-year increase in charging activity by the company’s business customers, as detailed in their recent AllCosts report.
As the UK prepares for the August bank holiday, traditionally one of the busiest travel periods, Allstar anticipates that Friday 23rd August will be the peak day for EV charging. The demand on this single day is set to account for 38% of the long weekend’s total charging, marking a 183% increase in demand over the past three years.
The uptick in travel, driven by both domestic tourism and business needs, is expected to push the UK’s charging infrastructure to its limits. According to recent surveys, nearly half of Britons (45%) plan to travel more this summer compared to last, with over a third (37%) opting for staycations. This increased mobility, coupled with a calendar full of summer events, from sporting tournaments to festivals, suggests that UK roads will be busier than ever.
Allstar’s latest initiative, “Electric Escapes,” highlights some of the UK’s most picturesque locations for business drivers to recharge their EVs. The guide not only showcases the breadth of Allstar’s network but also aims to dispel lingering concerns over range anxiety—the fear that an EV may not have enough charge to complete a journey.
Allstar’s Chargepass, the UK’s only fleet payment solution that covers all aspects of EV charging from public and home charging to comprehensive reporting and controls, continues to expand its reach. The Allstar network now boasts over 21,000 locations and more than 56,000 chargers nationwide, with 82% of its infrastructure comprising fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid chargers.
In Scotland, 77% of public chargers are part of the Allstar network, while in Northern Ireland, 99% of the Allstar charging network is fast, rapid, or ultra-rapid. In England, 76% of the country’s rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are on the Allstar network, with 83% of chargers in Wales offering the same speeds.
Ashley Tate, Managing Director of Allstar Chargepass, emphasised the importance of planning for business drivers during the busy bank holiday weekend. “While our network ensures drivers are never far from a charger, it’s crucial to consider potential delays due to heavy traffic, hot weather, and roadworks,” Tate advised. “These factors can affect EV battery efficiency, and drivers should be prepared for longer travel times.”
Allstar’s comprehensive charging network, designed to make recharging as straightforward as refuelling, aims to eliminate the barriers to EV adoption. With strategic planning and access to Allstar’s extensive network, business drivers can navigate the bank holiday rush with confidence, knowing they are supported by one of the UK’s most robust EV infrastructures.
For more details on Allstar’s services and to access the “Electric Escapes” guide, visit www.allstarcard.co.uk.