With the UK's public electric vehicle charging network expanding rapidly, there are quite a number of EV charging networks across the country. Some are brand new and others well established, with some networks offering national coverage while others provide charging in a specific region.
Most networks offer a mix of slow, fast and rapid charging options – but you will also come across networks focusing solely on ultra-rapid charging, for example, or slower charging provision on residential streets.
Where possible, EV drivers opt for charging at home or even charging at work. However, public networks provide invaluable charging support for drivers on longer electric journeys or without access to a home charger.
This guide provides an overview of the UK’s main public EV charging networks, with links through to in-depth network guides. Each guide provides details of the network operator, any cross-network agreements, the network’s charger locations and access methods, and any fees that may apply.
Public EV charging networks in the UK
We've split these public EV charging networks into three broad categories: 'en-route' networks, 'destination' charging networks and 'on-street & community' networks.
Zap-Pay partner networks are indicated with an icon on their respective logos. These networks are signed up with Zap-Pay enabled public EV charge points. This means Zapmap users are able to search, plan and pay for charging on these networks all from within the Zapmap app.
Networks which are part of our Live data network also display an icon on their respective logos. Updated in real time, network with live data show a blue marker around charge point icons when the charger is in use.
En-route charging networks
Below you'll find individual guides for some of the major en-route charging networks across the UK.
Zap-Pay partner ESB Energy offers a public network of rapid EV charge points in London and Coventry, as well as charge points for taxi drivers. All ESB Energy charge points are Zap-Pay enabled and there are also membership, contactless and ESB app options available. ESB is part of the Zapmap Live data network and is a live Zap-Pay partner.
Explore the ESB Energy network guide
Rapid-only network Fastned is also a Zap-Pay partner, and specialises in charging hubs. Fastned provides a range of different rapid charger speeds to EV drivers in one location. Access is via Zap-Pay, the Fastned app, RFID card, or via vehicle-to-charger communication using Fastned’s Autocharge feature. Fastned is also part of the Zapmap Live data network.
Explore the Fastned network guide
The GeniePoint network consists primarily of rapid EV charge points, although there aresome fast units available at certain locations. All GeniePoint charge points are Zap-Pay enabled, or can also be accessed with an app or RFID card on a pay-as-you-go basis. GeniePoint is part of the Zap-Pay partner network as well as the Zapmap live data network.
Explore the GeniePoint network guide
Zap-Pay and Live data partner MFG EV Power operates a network of rapid and ultra-rapid charging devices at service stations across the UK. There is no subscription or connection charge to use MFG devices. Drivers can pay for charging using Zap-Pay, contactless payment or through the MFG app.
Explore the MFG EV Power network guide
Osprey has a UK-wide network of rapid chargers, often found a chains such as Marston's. Osprey was Zapmap’s launch partner for Zap-Pay, and all Osprey charge points are Zap-Pay enabled as well as accepting payment via contactless credit or debit cards or the Osprey app.
Explore the Osprey network guide
bp pulse is one of the UK’s largest public charging networks with charge points ranging from three-pin units to rapid chargers available. Access is via smartphone app or RFID card, and there is both a pay-as-you-go or a subscription membership available. bp pulse is part of the Zapmap live data network.
Explore the bp pulse network guide
Backed by Transport Scotland, the ChargePlace Scotland network provides thousands of EV charging points across the the country. Users can access the points using a ChargePlace Scotland RFID card or online.
See our ChargePlace Scotland guide
The Electric Highway public charging network covers the UK’s motorway network, with points at service stations across Britain. It is owned and operated by GRIDSERVE, which has been upgrading all existing Electric Highway charging devices, and is also installing new Electric Highway locations. The GRIDSERVE Electric Highway is part of the Zapmap live data network.
Explore the GRIDSERVE network guide
InstaVolt operates a rapid charging network on a pay-as-you-go basis. There is no subscription, membership, RFID card or app required. Instead all of its rapid chargers accept contactless payment from a credit or debit card.
Explore the InstaVolt network guide
Swarco’s E.Connect network is rapidly growing, having an established base in Europe and a number of partnerships already in the UK. As a charge point manufacturer, the company is now rolling out its own network across the country.
Explore our guide to SWARCO E.CONNECT
Ionity is a pan-European ultra-rapid charging network, that installs multiple 350 kW CCS units at locations along the main routes in the UK and the continent. Access is via app, QR code reader or RFID card.
Explore the Ionity network guide
With an expansive network, Pod Point aims to offer an EV charge point ‘everywhere you park’. With wide-spread coverage of fast chargers, Pod Point also provides rapid points for the likes of Tesco and Lidl. Units are accessed via the network’s smartphone or web app and are often free to use.
Explore the Pod Point network guide
Shell Recharge is a rapid charging network, with points located at the company’s petrol station forecourts. No membership charges or RFID cards are needed, with access via the Shell Recharge app for rapid units, which offer CCS, CHAdeMO, or Type 2 charging.
Explore the Shell Recharge guide
Tesla operates two nationwide networks – Supercharger and Destination. Supercharger points are typically on motorway and trunk roads, providing rapid charger capability. Destination chargers are normally at locations such as hotels. No access app or RFID card needed.
Explore the Tesla network guide
Destination charging networks
Below you'll find individual guides for some of the major destination charging networks across the UK.
Zap-Pay partner Mer has a public network of fast and rapid chargers across the UK. Drivers can access the network as guest users or by registering as customers. Mer is owned by Norwegian renewable energy supplier Statkraft and recently acquired the Hubsta network.
With chargers across England, Alfa Power plans to roll out chargers many more charging devices nationwide. It was the first network to add a 100 kW rapid (other than Tesla’s Superchargers), and access is via cross-network payment solution Zap-Pay.
Explore our guide to Alfa Power
Clenergy EV is a growing network that aims to provide simple, fair and accessible electric vehicle charging. The network currently consists of a mixture of slow, fast and rapid charging devices across the UK. There is no membership fee to use Clenergy EV devices. Drivers can pay for charging through the Clenergy EV app or using an RFID card. Clenergy EV is part of the Zapmap Live data network.
Revive is a regional public EV charging network covering the South West. Replacing Source West as the region’s network, Revive uses Geniepoint’s expertise and systems to provide EV drivers with pay-as-you-go access to fast and rapid points.
Explore the Revive network guide
EV Dot operates fast 22 kW charge points in Norfolk and Kent, with the public EV charging network set to expand nationwide. Units are accessed via app, or RFID card/fob, with a pay-as-you-go pricing structure.
Explore the EV Dot network guide
Zero Carbon World’s ZeroNet network specialises in providing EV charge points for hospitality locations, such as hotels, restaurants, pubs, and B&Bs. All are pay-as-you-go units – though many are free – and there is no RFID card or app needed to access the point.
On-street & community charging networks
Below you'll find individual guides for some of the major on-street charging networks across the UK.
Zap-Home has been set up by Zapmap to allow peer-to-peer home charge point sharing for EV drivers. Available to registered Zapmap users, Zap-Home lets the charge point owner set charging fees – if any – and access is dependant on the type of home unit available.
Zap-Work allows small business charge point owners to share their points with other EV drivers. A peer-to-peer charging network created by Zapmap, Zap-Work lets the charge point owner set any fees – though some are free to use – and access is dependent on the point’s location and type.
Char.gy’s EV charge points are fitted to lamp posts, allowing for convenient on-street charging infrastructure. Available either on PAYG or with subscriptions tailored to those that don’t have off-street parking, the network’s charge points are accessed via its app or through Zap-Pay.
Connected Kerb aims to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility for all people with reliable, affordable and accessible electric vehicle charging solutions. Drivers can pay for charging through the Connected Kerb app or using an RFID card, and will soon be able to pay using Zap-Pay once Connected Kerb comes online.
Explore the Connected Kerb network
Zap-Pay coming soon: ChargeMyStreet is a community project currently based in Lancaster and Cumbria, creating a network of fast EV charge points for drivers without access to off-street parking and domestic charging.
Explore the ChargeMyStreet network
EB Charging operates a public EV charging network that looks to work closely with local authorities to install and maintain units in the most suitable locations. The network is run on a pay-as-you-go basis, with no subscription or connection fees.
Explore the EB Charging network
Believ, formerly known as Liberty Charge, works in collaboration with businesses and local authorities, as well as the communities they serve, to deliver and operate publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charge points in the UK. Believ is part of the Zapmap Live data network.
Specialising in lamp-post and bollard installations, ubitricity’s large network provides charge points often found lining streets and in car parks. Available on a PAYG basis with credit or debit card payments, ubitricity also offers access via its SmartCable.
Explore the ubitricity network
UK EV charging networks: Coverage and costs
To find which public EV charging networks cover your area, go to Zapmap’s live map and use the network filter to select networks from the list provided.
To find the cost to charge an EV on a public charge point, Zapmap’s Public Charging Calculator calculates charging costs for any new or used plug-in vehicle. You can personalise the results for different electricity costs and the level of charge required.
