If you’re just getting started with electric driving, charging might seem like one of the biggest unknowns, but it doesn’t have to be. From home charging to using public networks, and understanding the costs involved, there’s a wealth of helpful advice to guide you.
We recommend starting with these trusted sources:
Once you get the hang of it, plugging in becomes second nature.
Thankfully, there is an ever-expanding public charging infrastructure:
According to Zapmap, as of the end of April 2025, there were over 79,654 electric vehicle charging points across the UK, across 39,427 charging locations (a 30% increase in the total number of charging devices since March 2024).
The charging network is made up of different types of charge points for different use cases, from high speed en-route chargers and charging hubs to destination chargers and on-street provision: the 4 speeds or power ratings are defined as slow (3-6kW), fast (7-22kW), rapid (25-99kW) and ultra-rapid (100kW+).
The latest public rapid charge points can provide a 0-80% charge for many EVs – equating to around 200 miles in some cases – in around 30 minutes. However, bear in mind that your EV will only be able to charge at the maximum rate of its charging capabilit, regardless of the power of the charger itself.
With more than 79,000 public charging points across the UK, the interactive map below lets you search by location, filter by connector type or charging speed, and check real-time availability – so you can plan your route or find a charger nearby with confidence.
This growing model is just like an Airbnb but for EV charging – instead of renting out a house or a spare room, it allows EV drivers to book and use private chargers hosted by individuals or businesses in their local area.
Platforms like Co Charger, JustCharge by JustPark, and GoPlugable help connect drivers with hosts who are willing to share their charger for a small fee or free of charge.
Charger sharing makes better use of existing infrastructure, helps reduce pressure on public chargepoints, and can be especially useful in residential areas with limited on-street charging. It also gives charger owners a way to support the EV transition while covering their running costs.
It’s community charging, and a great example of how we can all help accelerate the switch to electric.
A cross-pavement solution is a way to safely run a charging cable from your home to your parked EV when you don’t have a driveway, typically by using a specially designed gully set in the pavement, or an overhead arm that keeps the cable above pedestrians.
Some councils have started approving or piloting these solutions, but rules vary across the country, so it’s important to check with your local authority before installing one.
EVA England continues to push for clearer, consistent guidance so that more people can charge at home, even if they don’t have off-street parking.
The cost of charging an electric vehicle depends on where, when and how you charge, but it’s generally cheaper than filling up with petrol or diesel.
Home charging is the cheapest option, especially if you can charge overnight on an off-peak electricity tariff.
Public charging costs vary more, and will depend on the speed of the charger or the network you use.