If you’re hitting the gym in Manchester, you’re in the best place in the country to charge your car while you work out.
A new study from Drax Electric Vehicles has revealed that Manchester has the highest public EV charger availability near gyms in the UK – with an average of 173 chargers within a one-mile radius of each gym location. That’s more than double the average in London and significantly ahead of other major cities.
The research analysed 134 locations across the UK’s top ten gym chains, comparing public EV charging availability around each site. Every gym was measured against the local average to reveal which cities – and which chains – are offering the best charging convenience.
Fitness First tops UK gym chain leaderboard
The study also crowned Fitness First as the UK’s most EV-friendly gym chain. Their locations offer 17.7% better access to public chargers compared to the city average – making it far easier to top up your car battery while getting your reps in.
Close behind were Virgin Active and The Gym Group, offering 17.6% and 14% better-than-average charging access respectively.
Adam Hall, Director at Drax Electric Vehicles, said: “These findings highlight the real-world benefits of a strong public charging network. It’s not just about powering vehicles – it’s about making everyday life easier.”
“The UK has one of the highest gym membership rates in Europe. If people can charge while they’re at the gym, it removes friction and helps make EV ownership more appealing and practical.”
Manchester flexes its EV fitness edge
With the highest gym-linked charger availability in the country, Manchester is setting the pace for destination charging – making everyday errands part of a smoother EV journey.
The strong infrastructure figures also align with Greater Manchester’s clean air ambitions and support the city’s efforts to expand practical charging options across neighbourhoods and public spaces.
More gyms are plugging in
Alongside public access, gym chains like David Lloyd and Bannatyne are investing in on-site EV charging as part of their sustainability efforts. But the study shows that public infrastructure still plays a vital role, particularly in urban areas where home charging isn’t always an option.
Adam added: “As the EV market grows, charging access at everyday destinations like gyms is becoming more important to drivers. People need to feel confident they can charge where they already go – whether that’s work, the supermarket or the gym.”
“Cities like Manchester are showing what’s possible when infrastructure keeps pace with EV demand.”
Where you work out could shape how you charge up
Manchester’s EV lead highlights a wider shift in consumer expectations – as charging becomes something drivers expect to happen around their routines, not as a separate task.
The city’s combination of strong infrastructure and active lifestyle culture may be giving it a unique edge – and the rest of the UK has some catching up to do.