Map reveals worst places in the UK to own an EV – you could run into serious issues

A MAP has revealed the worst place in the UK to own an electric vehicle (EV) – which could see drivers run into serious issues.

Demand has spiked for electric cars with a ban on new petrol and diesel models coming into force in 2030, but infrastructure has struggled to keep up.

One of the biggest problems owners face is so-called “range anxiety“, meaning uncertainty about whether the battery will retain charge long enough to drive the manufacturer’s stated range.

As a result, charging points are vital to allowing EV drivers to enjoy long trips without worrying about running out of juice on the side of the road.

New data from the Department for Transport has shown a rapid increase in the number of charging points installed in recent years.

As of July this year, there are 44,020 charging spaces across the UK, compared to just 24,374 in July 2021.

However, drivers in some areas could be left stranded as the devices are quite heavily concentrated in particular parts of the country.

Hotspots include London, with 152 chargers per 100,000 people, and Milton Keynes, with 174.

Scotland is also well represented, with rates of 170 in East Lothian and 161 in Stirling.

However, large parts of the Midlands and the North have largely missed out.

For example, Manchester has a rate of 34 while Leeds sees just 65 points per 100,000.

And large parts of Somerset, Cumbria and Yorkshire are complete blackspots for EV charging.

Drivers in these areas would be forced to rely on private charging points at home, which can be costly both to install and run, especially amid a cost of living crisis.

It comes after an urgent warning was issued over EVs after a serious problem with their security was revealed.

Meanwhile, a motors expert found himself trapped in the middle of the night while testing out the EVs with the longest stated ranges in the UK.