Nissan: EV Charging Stations in the U.K. to Surpass Fuel Stations by 2020

Within four years there will be more public locations to charge electric and plug-in hybrid cars in the U.K. than the number of traditional fuel stations there, according to Nissan Motor Co.

The change reflects the growing number of charging stations in the region along with a steady decrease in fuel stations. Citing government and industry data, Nissan expects there will be at least 7,900 charging stations in England by August 2020, surpassing the dwindling number of fuel stations.

The number of public charging locations in the U.K. has increased from a few hundred in 2011 to more than 4,100 locations in 2016, according to Nissan's analysis. It predicts the trend will accelerate as more electrified models debut, driving ranges improve and sales increase.

Meanwhile, the number of fuel stations has plunged 77% in the U.K. from more than 37,500 locations in 1970 to less than 8,500 last year. If that trend continues, the carmaker extrapolates, fewer than 7,900 will be in service within four years.

According to Go Ultra Low, a joint program between the U.K. government and the auto industry, more than 115 electric cars were registered every day in the first quarter of 2016. The partners expect this to grow to an annual rate of more than 1.3 million electric cars by 2027, which they say could surpass sales of conventionally powered vehicles by that time.