EV Charging Networks in the UK

UK public charging is more fragmented than most markets, with no single operator dominating the way Tesla does in the United States. That means the network you want is usually whichever one covers your regular routes, and most drivers end up with two or three accounts.

bp pulse

One of the largest networks, spanning everything from slower AC units to ultra-rapid hubs, with a growing presence on forecourts and at retail sites. Subscription pricing is available and worth checking if you charge publicly often, since the per-kWh rate drops meaningfully with it.

InstaVolt

Rapid and ultra-rapid charging with a strong reputation for reliability, and notable for contactless payment on every unit with no app or account required. For occasional public charging that convenience is worth a lot, and it is frequently the network drivers name first when asked what actually works.

GRIDSERVE

Operator of the Electric Forecourt sites and a large share of the motorway service area network. If you are driving any distance on the motorway, GRIDSERVE is likely to be part of the plan whether you chose it or not.

Osprey

Rapid charging concentrated at retail parks, hotels and pubs, with contactless payment across the network. Sites tend to have several units together, which reduces the risk of arriving to find the only charger occupied.

Pod Point

Best known for home chargers and for destination charging at supermarkets, much of it slower AC. Frequently the network you use without thinking about it, because it is in the car park where you were shopping anyway.

Tesla Supercharger

Extensive, reliable, and open to non-Tesla vehicles at a growing number of UK sites through the Tesla app. Worth checking even if you drive something else, since Supercharger coverage on major routes is strong.

Shell Recharge

Rapid charging at Shell forecourts, with the amenity that comes with an existing fuel site. Coverage is smaller than bp pulse but well placed on trunk routes.

Most drivers use a combination of network-specific apps and third-party charger finder apps. Each charging network has its own app for locating chargers, checking availability and starting a session.

For finding chargers across multiple networks in one place, PlugShare and A Better Route Planner (ABRP) are the most widely used tools among UK EV drivers. PlugShare shows charger locations and user reviews across all networks. ABRP is particularly useful for planning longer trips as it factors in your vehicle's range, battery level and available chargers along your route.

For a full list of EV charging apps available in the UK, see the EV Charging Apps tool page.

Public chargers range from slow AC destination chargers to ultra rapid DC chargers. The speed of a session depends on the charger power, your vehicle's maximum charging rate and the battery's current state of charge.