UK EV Charging Network Guide

Understanding the UK's Electric Vehicle Charging Network

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a significant step towards a more sustainable future, and a robust public charging infrastructure is key to this shift. However, as the market evolves, it can be challenging to navigate the various charging networks, their pricing structures, and accessibility. This guide aims to demystify the UK's EV charging landscape, providing essential information to help you make informed decisions and avoid frustrating experiences.

While government initiatives and funding are in place to accelerate the rollout of charging stations, the pace of expansion and the impact of recent energy price hikes have presented challenges. For homeowners with private driveways, the cost of installing a home charger can be substantial, often around £1,000 or more, with limited grants available. This places a greater reliance on the public charging network for many drivers. The government's ambitious target of phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales within eight years makes understanding these public networks even more critical.

Not all public charge points are created equal. Some offer rapid charging, while others provide slower, more cost-effective options. To help you make the best choice, we've compiled an overview of the most common public EV charge point providers in the UK, assessing their offerings, pricing, and user experience.

Who Pays for Public Electric Charging Stations?

The responsibility for installing and maintaining public charging equipment typically falls to the charge point providers. They work in conjunction with energy providers and local authorities. Historically, grants from the UK government and the EU have played a role in accelerating network rollouts and encouraging EV adoption. For the electricity consumed at a charge point, the payment method varies depending on the provider and location. Most providers offer a dedicated mobile app where customers can register their debit or credit card details to pay for charging sessions. In 2019, the UK government recommended that all charging point providers integrate contactless payment options to improve accessibility. However, factors such as computer chip shortages and supply chain issues have, at times, delayed the widespread implementation of these contactless payment systems.

It's worth noting that some businesses offer free charging as a customer perk. If you encounter difficulties initiating a charge or connecting to a provider's app for payment, it's always advisable to contact the device provider directly. Contact details and the device ID are usually displayed on the charger itself. In some cases, providers can initiate a charge remotely, which can be a helpful solution.

The UK’s Electric Car Charging Companies: A Comprehensive Overview

Here's a breakdown of the leading EV charging companies operating public networks in the UK:

BP Pulse (Chargemaster)

• Network Size: One of the largest in the UK, formed by the amalgamation of the Polar Network and Chargemaster. Features 8,000 points, ranging from 7kW 'fast' chargers to 150kW rapid chargers.
• Access: Mobile app required. Members receive discounts, including free charging at selected points.
• Pricing: Subscribers/members: 44p-67p per kWh. Guests/Contactless users: 57p-69p per kWh (depending on power delivery).
• Our Verdict: The extensive network ensures you'll likely encounter BP Pulse chargers. The experience is generally positive, with contactless payment available on some devices. However, a significant number of chargers are frequently reported as 'out of order', which is frustrating given the £7.99 monthly account fee. Guest charging is also not the cheapest.

Chargeplace Scotland

• Network Size: Operated by the Scottish Government, with over 2,000 charge points across Scotland.
• Access: Requires downloading and registering on the dedicated app.
• Pricing: From free at selected points to 16p per kWh, with a £1 minimum charge.
• Our Verdict: Chargeplace Scotland points are generally easy to locate and situated in convenient areas. While the desktop browser map is functional, reliance on the app can be a drawback, especially as there's no contactless access, forcing a potentially frustrating app registration process.

Chargeyourcar (CYC)

• Network Size: One of the UK's longest-established networks, offering slower chargers.
• Access: Requires app registration or an RFID access card, which must be obtained in advance.
• Pricing: From 20p per kWh (depending on location), with a £1 minimum charge.
• Our Verdict: CYC points are often found in 'dwell' locations like shopping malls and town centres. These 7kW chargers are best suited for topping up rather than a full charge. A notable drawback is the £5 overstay fee for sessions exceeding one hour, making them unsuitable for overnight charging.

Fastned

• Network Size: Rapid charging network primarily in the North East of England, utilising 100% renewable energy.
• Access: Pay-as-you-go contactless access or 'Gold membership' via its app for discounts.
• Pricing: Gold members: 45p per kWh (with a £9.99 monthly fee). Guests: 65p per kWh.
• Our Verdict: Fastned offers a reliable network, though its coverage is not yet nationwide. The 'tap and go' access is very convenient. While Fastned pricing can be on the higher side, the availability and reliability are generally commendable.

GeniePoint

• Network Size: Operated by Engie EV Solutions, predominantly located in southern England.
• Access: Requires app registration to access its points.
• Pricing: 57p per kWh.
• Our Verdict: Mixed reviews. While customer services are reportedly more responsive than the app, communication between devices and the Geniepoint app can be unreliable, with instances of charging not commencing. The pricing is also considered somewhat high.

Gridserve

• Network Size: Now operates the Electric Highway, originally established by Ecotricity. Features the first Gridserve Electric Forecourt in Braintree, Essex, capable of charging 24 cars simultaneously and offering amenities.
• Access: Easy to use with fast and efficient charging.
• Pricing: From 39p per kWh (depending on location). Electric Forecourts: 45p per kWh.
• Our Verdict: Gridserve is rapidly building a reputation for reliability. With ambitious plans for 350kW chargers, it's a network to watch, especially for high-performance EVs.

Ionity

• Network Size: Backed by the EU and partnering with key car manufacturers. Offers ultra-rapid 350kW chargers, capable of charging compatible EVs in under 20 minutes. Currently has 16 locations across the UK.
• Access: Membership (monthly fee) or contactless guest access.
• Pricing: Members: 35p per kWh (£16.99 per month). Contactless guests: 69p per kWh.
• Our Verdict: While Ionity's charging speeds are impressive, the cost for guest users is significantly high. For those with a monthly subscription, it can be more competitive.

Instavolt

• Network Size: The UK's largest owner-operator of rapid DC charging points, with over 800 points and plans for an additional 600. Chargers are spread more evenly across the UK.
• Access: Simple 'tap and use' contactless payment.
• Pricing: 66p per kWh.
• Our Verdict: Instavolt enjoys an excellent reputation due to its ease of use and reliable rapid chargers. Strategically located, Instavolt is considered one of the best networks for seamless charging.

Osprey

• Network Size: Operates a rapid charging network with 170 sites, often located at destinations like supermarkets and pubs.
• Access: Contactless payment is available on all Osprey points. The app is beneficial for company car drivers, offering monthly billing and expense receipts.
• Pricing: 66p per kWh.
• Our Verdict: All Osprey points feature contactless payment, which is a significant plus for accessibility. The app's features for business users are also a strong selling point.

Pod Point

• Network Size: Provides domestic and commercial charging points and operates its own network with good UK coverage. Partners with brands like Tesco and Lidl.
• Access: Requires app connection.
• Pricing: From free to 44p per kWh for rapid charging. Chargers at Lidl: 28p per kWh.
• Our Verdict: Pod Point chargers are well-located and plentiful. However, the app's reliability in communicating with the devices can be inconsistent, leading to user frustration. This is expected to improve with 5G connectivity.

Shell Recharge

• Network Size: Offers a mix of rapid and ultra-rapid points, primarily located on Shell forecourts.
• Access: Shell Recharge app or reliable contactless payment.
• Pricing: 45p-65p per kWh.
• Our Verdict: While the concept of charging on a forecourt might not appeal to everyone, Shell Recharge offers flexibility with its app and contactless payment options. Shell's existing energy infrastructure and potential for customer discounts make it a strong contender.

Tesla Superchargers

• Network Size: An early entrant, Tesla has established a significant network of 780 chargers across 87 locations. Some locations are now accessible to non-Tesla drivers.
• Access: Seamless for Tesla owners. Non-Tesla drivers can use the network via the Tesla app.
• Pricing: Tesla owners: 1,000 miles free per year, then 22p-32p per kWh. Non-Tesla drivers: from 50p per kWh (depending on power delivery).
• Our Verdict: The simplicity and ease of use of the Tesla Supercharger network are unparalleled. Chargers are consistently available, well-located, and incredibly user-friendly.

What's the Best EV Charging Network in 2024?

Based on ease of use and availability, particularly for guest users, Instavolt and Tesla chargers stand out as the best EV charging networks in the UK for 2024. Tesla is gradually opening its network to other brands, but it's not yet universally available. While Instavolt's 'tap and use' system is highly convenient, it's important to note that its pricing is among the highest on the market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the current charging rates for the Chargemaster network?

Chargemaster is now part of the BP Pulse network. You can find the current charging rates by checking the BP Pulse mobile app or their website. Rates can vary based on whether you are a subscriber, member, or a guest user, and also depend on the power output of the charging station.

To charge your electric car at these stations, you usually need an RFID card compatible with the network or its dedicated mobile app.

This statement is generally true for most public charging networks. Many require you to have an account with them, which can be accessed via a mobile app or by using a network-specific RFID card. This allows for user identification and payment processing.

Which electric vehicle can be charged at a Chargemaster charging station?

As Chargemaster is now integrated into the BP Pulse network, virtually all electric vehicles sold in the UK can be charged at their stations. BP Pulse offers a range of charging speeds (7kW to 150kW) and uses standard Type 2 connectors for AC charging and CCS or CHAdeMO connectors for DC rapid charging, which are compatible with the vast majority of EVs.

Which electric car charging companies are in the UK?

The UK has a growing number of electric car charging companies providing public networks. Some of the most prominent include BP Pulse (Chargemaster), Chargeplace Scotland, Chargeyourcar, Fastned, Geniepoint, Gridserve, Instavolt, Ionity, Osprey, Pod Point, Shell Recharge, and Tesla.

Who pays for public electric charging stations?

The cost of installing and maintaining public charging stations is typically borne by the charge point providers. They may receive funding through government grants or private investment. The cost of the electricity used is usually paid for by the EV driver, either through an app, RFID card, or contactless payment, with rates varying by provider and location.

How do I pay for charging?

Payment methods typically include using a dedicated mobile app where you link a payment card, using a network-specific RFID card, or using contactless payment directly at the charger. Some chargers may also offer pay-as-you-go options without requiring an account.

What is the difference between rapid and ultra-rapid chargers?

Rapid chargers (often 50kW DC) can add significant range to an EV in about 30-60 minutes. Ultra-rapid chargers (150kW DC and above, up to 350kW DC) can add even more range in a much shorter time, often under 20 minutes for compatible vehicles. The charging speed also depends on the car's own charging capability.

Are there free EV charging points available?

Yes, some businesses offer free EV charging as a customer perk. For example, some supermarkets or retail parks might have free charging points. However, these are often slower chargers and may have time limits. It's always best to check the specific terms and conditions for any free charging points.

Further Electric Reading

The best places to charge your EV in 2024

Charging infrastructure slow to expand

Who provides the best EV charging network?

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