Analysing the Geographic and Socio-Economic Disparity in EV Charging Infrastructure between North and South of England

England is on an ambitious path to leading the electrification of the transport industry, with aspirations to reduce carbon emissions and phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. However, significant regional disparities persist in the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure (EVCI), especially between the North and South. Preliminary findings suggest that southern cities have concentrated distribution of charging facilities, whereas northern regions face significant infrastructure gaps that could hinder the nation’s electric mobility goals. This study examines whether the geographic and socio-economic factors, such as climate policy, grant allocation, EV adoption rates, average income, and accessibility to public transport, contribute to these disparities. Focusing on 33 areas across England to represent a range of economic profiles, we employ GIS Spatial Analysis, Ordinary Least Squares regression and Gini Coefficient to assess the relationship between charger density (per 100,000 population) and variables such as annual household income, EV adoption rate, ORCS funding allocation, and local councils’ climate policy scores. Our findings indicate that high-income, densely populated areas are more likely to have robust charging infrastructure. Regression analysis identifies ORCS funding, proactive climate policy, and charger density as the most significant contributors to regional differences. Based on these results, we recommend that government action should prioritize increased funding allocation and regulatory measures to support EV infrastructure rollout in underserved northern regions. This dual approach, combining direct provision with regulation, helps to ensure an equitable transition to electrification across England.