Public EV Charging Stations Near Me UK

Introduction

Public EV Charging Stations Near Me UK are rapidly transforming electric mobility and helping the nation move closer to a clean, sustainable transportation system. With more than 65,000+ public chargers available across the UK in 2025, electric vehicle owners now have easy access to reliable and fast charging options—from slow chargers in parking bays to ultra-rapid chargers on major motorways.

This comprehensive guide explores the top public EV charging networks in the UK, their coverage, charging speeds, payment options, government support, and practical tips to help you charge smarter and more efficiently.

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Growth of Public EV Charging Infrastructure in the UK

Over the last few years, both the UK government and private companies have significantly accelerated efforts to expand the national EV charging network. As a result, the UK is now among the world’s leading countries for public charging accessibility.

Key Infrastructure Statistics (2025)

UK EV Charging Growth Timeline

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Understanding Public EV Charging Options

Public EV chargers in the UK are available in multiple speed categories. Choosing the right type plays a major role in planning your journeys.

Types of Public Charging Points

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Top Public EV Charging Networks in the UK (2025)

The UK offers several major charging networks, each providing different charger speeds, prices, and access methods.

Leading Public EV Charging Networks by Coverage

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BP Pulse – UK’s Largest Public EV Charging Network

BP Pulse offers more than 9,000 charging points across the country, including fast and rapid chargers.

Highlights

• 7 kW to 150 kW chargers

• Subscription discounts

• 98% uptime rating

• App or RFID access

Average Cost:

• Pay-as-you-go: £0.65/kWh

• Subscription: £0.55/kWh

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Pod Point – Retail-Friendly Charging

Pod Point installations are common at Tesco, Lidl, retail parks, and multilevel car parks.

Why Drivers Prefer Pod Point

• Free charging at selected Tesco stores

• Easy app-based authentication

• Ideal for 2–4 hour visits

• Integrated with Google Maps & Zap-Map

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Ionity – Ultra-Fast EV Charging on Motorways

Ionity provides some of the fastest chargers in the UK (up to 350 kW).

Key Features

• 80% charge in ~20 minutes

• CCS-compatible

• European network integration

Pricing: £0.69/kWh (discounts via Ionity Passport)

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Tesla Supercharger Network (Now Open to CCS Vehicles)

Tesla operates more than 1,300 public Superchargers in the UK.

Benefits

• Up to 250 kW V3 charging

• High reliability

• Open to non-Tesla EVs with CCS

Cost: Starting from £0.53/kWh (Tesla users)

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Gridserve Electric Highway – Powering UK Motorways

Gridserve has upgraded the motorway network with ultra-rapid chargers and solar-powered sites.

Example Gridserve Locations

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Shell Recharge – EV Charging at Fuel Stations

Shell is modernizing traditional fuel stops with fast and rapid chargers.

Benefits

• 24/7 availability

• CCTV-secured sites

• Universal compatibility

Average Cost: £0.59/kWh

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Finding Public EV Charging Stations Near You

Finding a charger has never been easier thanks to dedicated apps.

Best UK EV Charger Locator Apps

Tip: Enable live status notifications to avoid busy or offline chargers.

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Cost of Public EV Charging in the UK (2025)

Charging costs vary based on the charger speed and network provider.

Average Public Charging Prices

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Government Support for Public EV Charging

The UK government plays a major role in expanding EV charging infrastructure.

Key Initiatives

• ORCS Scheme: Funds councils to install on-street chargers

• EV Infrastructure Grant: Supports businesses and fleet operators

• Rapid Charging Fund: £950m investment for motorway rapid hubs

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Future of EV Charging in the UK

By 2030, all new petrol and diesel car sales will be phased out, requiring a significantly larger charging network.

Upcoming Developments

• Wireless charging trials in major cities

• AI-managed charging loads

• Solar-powered EV hubs

• Battery-swapping stations for fleets

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Tips for Efficient Public EV Charging

• Plan your route using Zap-Map or ABRP

• Keep multiple apps for network compatibility

• Avoid idle fees by unplugging when done

• Carry your own cables if needed

• Use membership plans for lower rates

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Environmental Impact of Public EV Charging

Using renewable-powered public chargers significantly lowers carbon emissions.

Sustainability Highlights

• Each EV powered by green electricity can save 1.5 tonnes of CO₂ every year

• Gridserve and Shell Recharge provide 100% renewable energy

• The UK plans to achieve a zero-carbon grid by 2035

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Conclusion

Public EV charging stations in the UK are the foundation of the country’s electric mobility revolution. With rapid expansion, faster charging speeds, increased reliability, and support from major networks, EV drivers can now enjoy a smooth and convenient charging experience anywhere in the country.

From BP Pulse’s nationwide coverage to Ionity’s ultra-rapid motorway chargers, every EV owner has access to a growing and strong charging ecosystem. As investment continues and technology evolves, the future of public EV charging in the UK is set to become faster, greener, and more accessible than ever.

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