UK Public Charging Networks Complete Guide 2025

Navigating the UK's public charging infrastructure can feel overwhelming with dozens of networks, varying pricing structures, and different membership schemes. Whether you're planning long-distance journeys or need top-up charging away from home, understanding the major networks helps you charge efficiently and economically.

This comprehensive guide compares the UK's leading public charging networks, membership costs, coverage areas, and practical tips for seamless public charging across Britain.

Understanding UK Public Charging Networks

Network Types and Business Models

UK public charging networks operate under different business models:

Open Networks: Available to all EV drivers without membership (pay-per-use)

• BP Pulse
• Shell Recharge
• GeniePoint
• Char.gy

Membership Networks: Offer discounted rates for subscribers

• Ionity (Ionity Passport)
• Pod Point (Open Charge)
• Gridserve (Gridserve Electric Highway)

Roaming Networks: Aggregate multiple charging providers through single app

• Zap-Map
• Bonnet
• Electroverse

Charging Speed Categories

Rapid DC Charging (50-149kW):

• Adds 100 miles in 20-30 minutes
• Common at motorway services
• Typical cost: £0.44-£0.69/kWh

Ultra-Rapid DC Charging (150-350kW):

• Adds 100 miles in 10-15 minutes
• Premium motorway locations
• Typical cost: £0.69-£0.85/kWh

Fast AC Charging (7-22kW):

• Destination charging (2-4 hours for full charge)
• Shopping centres, car parks
• Typical cost: £0.30-£0.50/kWh

Major UK Charging Networks Comparison

BP Pulse (formerly BP Chargemaster)

Network Size: 9,000+ charging points across UK

Charging Speeds:

• 7kW AC: £0.49/kWh
• 50kW Rapid: £0.55/kWh
• 150kW Ultra-Rapid: £0.69/kWh

Coverage: Excellent motorway coverage with strong presence at Tesco stores and BP forecourts.

Membership Options:

• Pay-as-you-go: No subscription fee, standard rates
• BP Pulse Plus: £7.85/month - 15% discount on all charging

Payment Methods:

• BP Pulse app (recommended)
• Contactless card at newer units
• RFID card

Pros:

• Extensive Tesco partnership (2,500+ locations)
• Reliable hardware (mostly Tritium chargers)
• Good app with real-time availability

Cons:

• Premium pricing at ultra-rapid units
• Some older 50kW units have reliability issues

Ionity

Network Size: 80+ sites across UK (500+ across Europe)

Charging Speeds:

• 350kW Ultra-Rapid: £0.69/kWh (Ionity Passport members)
• 350kW Ultra-Rapid: £0.74/kWh (pay-as-you-go)

Coverage: Strategic motorway locations optimised for long-distance travel.

Membership Options:

• Pay-as-you-go: £0.74/kWh, no subscription
• Ionity Passport: £10.99/month - £0.69/kWh rates
• OEM Partnerships: Reduced rates for BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, Hyundai owners

Payment Methods:

• Ionity app
• Contactless card
• Apple Pay/Google Pay

Pros:

• Consistently high power delivery (300-350kW)
• Premium locations with amenities
• European network ideal for continental travel

Cons:

• Limited UK site coverage
• Premium pricing without membership
• Sites can be busy at peak times

Shell Recharge (formerly Ubitricity + NewMotion)

Network Size: 12,000+ charging points across UK

Charging Speeds:

• 7kW AC (lamppost charging): £0.49/kWh
• 22kW AC: £0.49/kWh
• 50kW Rapid: £0.59/kWh
• 175kW Ultra-Rapid: £0.79/kWh

Coverage: Best urban coverage through lamppost charging; growing rapid network.

Membership Options:

• Pay-as-you-go: Standard rates via app
• No subscription model currently offered

Payment Methods:

• Shell Recharge app
• Contactless (rapid chargers only)

Pros:

• Unmatched urban coverage (35,000+ lampposts in London)
• Ideal for residents without driveways
• Integration with Shell forecourt network

Cons:

• Slower lamppost charging (7kW)
• Limited ultra-rapid network
• App can be temperamental

Gridserve Electric Highway

Network Size: 150+ high-power charging locations

Charging Speeds:

• 50kW Rapid: £0.48/kWh
• 350kW Ultra-Rapid: £0.66/kWh

Coverage: Motorway service areas and strategic A-roads.

Membership Options:

• Pay-as-you-go: Standard rates
• Electric Highway Pass: £8/month - 10% discount

Payment Methods:

• Gridserve app
• Contactless card
• Zap-Pay integration

Pros:

• Competitive pricing for ultra-rapid charging
• Premium facilities (Braintree Electric Forecourt)
• Reliable power delivery

Cons:

• Smaller network than BP Pulse
• Limited coverage in Scotland and Wales

Pod Point

Network Size: 7,000+ charging points (mostly 7-22kW)

Charging Speeds:

• 7kW AC: £0.35/kWh
• 22kW AC: £0.40/kWh
• 50kW Rapid: £0.50/kWh

Coverage: Excellent destination charging (Tesco, Lidl, leisure centres).

Membership Options:

• Open Charge: Free to join, standard rates
• Most public Pod Points are free to use (host-funded)

Payment Methods:

• Pod Point app
• RFID card

Pros:

• Many free charging locations
• Affordable destination charging
• Simple app interface

Cons:

• Limited rapid/ultra-rapid network
• Primarily destination charging (not journey charging)

GeniePoint

Network Size: 2,000+ charging points

Charging Speeds:

• 7kW AC: £0.39/kWh
• 50kW Rapid: £0.49/kWh
• 75kW Rapid: £0.55/kWh

Coverage: Strong presence at retail parks and local authorities.

Membership Options:

• Pay-as-you-go: No subscription required

Payment Methods:

• GeniePoint app
• RFID card
• Contactless (newer units)

Pros:

• Competitive pricing
• Good reliability record
• Clear pricing structure

Cons:

• Limited motorway coverage
• Smaller network than major competitors

Char.gy

Network Size: 5,000+ slow charging points

Charging Speeds:

• 5.5kW AC: £0.45/kWh

Coverage: Urban kerbside charging in residential areas.

Membership Options:

• Pay-as-you-go: Standard rates

Payment Methods:

• Char.gy app
• Contactless card

Pros:

• Innovative kerbside charging for terraced houses
• Simple, flat-rate pricing
• Growing coverage in major cities

Cons:

• Slow charging speeds only
• Limited to urban residential areas
• Requires overnight charging sessions

Roaming Networks and Aggregator Apps

Zap-Map

Function: Journey planning and payment aggregation

Networks Supported: 50+ networks including BP Pulse, Ionity, Shell Recharge

Pricing: Standard network rates (no markup)

Key Features:

• Comprehensive UK charging map
• Real-time availability
• User reviews and reliability ratings
• Route planning with charging stops
• Zap-Pay contactless payment at 16,000+ chargers

Why Use It: Best for journey planning; single payment method across multiple networks.

Bonnet

Function: Multi-network access with membership discounts

Networks Supported: 25+ networks

Pricing Options:

• Light: Free - 10% discount on selected networks
• Turbo: £8/month - 15% discount on most networks

Key Features:

• Single app for multiple networks
• Transparent pricing
• Monthly usage reports

Why Use It: Best value for frequent public charging users.

Electroverse (Octopus Energy)

Function: Multi-network charging with integrated home energy

Networks Supported: 30+ networks including Ionity, BP Pulse

Pricing: Network standard rates (no markup)

Key Features:

• Free to use
• Integrated with Octopus Energy tariffs
• Smart charging recommendations
• Single monthly invoice

Why Use It: Ideal for Octopus Energy customers; excellent app integration.

Cost Comparison: Real-World Examples

Scenario 1: Weekly Commuter (200 miles/week public charging)

Vehicle: Nissan Leaf (3.5 miles/kWh efficiency)

Weekly Consumption: 57kWh

Monthly Consumption: 247kWh

Cost Saving Tip: Use destination charging (Pod Point) for £594/year savings vs rapid charging.

Scenario 2: Long-Distance Driver (400 miles/month motorway)

Vehicle: Tesla Model 3 (4.0 miles/kWh efficiency)

Monthly Consumption: 100kWh

Cost Saving Tip: Gridserve offers best value for ultra-rapid motorway charging (£96/year savings).

Scenario 3: Urban Resident (150 miles/week kerbside charging)

Vehicle: MG4 (3.8 miles/kWh efficiency)

Weekly Consumption: 39.5kWh

Monthly Consumption: 171kWh

Cost Saving Tip: Locate free Pod Point chargers for maximum savings (£923/year).

Strategic Network Selection Guide

For Long-Distance Drivers

Primary Network: Ionity or Gridserve

• Fast charging speeds (300-350kW)
• Strategic motorway locations
• Reliable infrastructure

Backup Network: BP Pulse

• Extensive motorway coverage
• Good reliability

Aggregator App: Zap-Map

• Journey planning with charging stops
• Real-time availability

For Urban Drivers Without Home Charging

Primary Network: Shell Recharge or Char.gy

• Lamppost/kerbside charging
• Residential area coverage
• Overnight charging capability

Secondary Network: Pod Point

• Free destination charging
• Supermarket locations

Aggregator App: Bonnet Turbo (£8/month)

• 15% discount across networks
• Pays for itself with 50kWh+ monthly usage

For Occasional Public Charging

Primary Strategy: Use free/cheap destination charging

• Pod Point (often free)
• GeniePoint (competitive rates)

Backup Network: BP Pulse

• Widespread coverage
• Pay-as-you-go (no commitment)

Aggregator App: Electroverse (free)

• No subscription fees
• Good network coverage

Payment and Membership Strategy

When to Subscribe vs Pay-as-you-go

Subscribe if you:

• Charge 100kWh+ per month on public networks
• Use primarily one or two networks
• Drive long distances regularly

Pay-as-you-go if you:

• Charge primarily at home
• Use public charging occasionally (<50kWh/month)
• Prefer flexibility without commitments

Cost-Effective Membership Combinations

Option 1: Urban Commuter

• Bonnet Turbo: £8/month (15% discount)
• Savings threshold: 50kWh/month (£5.50 saved at £0.45/kWh)

Option 2: Motorway Regular

• Ionity Passport: £10.99/month (£0.05/kWh saving)
• Savings threshold: 220kWh/month
• Ideal for 1,000+ motorway miles monthly

Option 3: Mixed Usage

• Electroverse: Free (no commitment)
• Use destination charging when possible
• Pay standard rates for rapid charging

Practical Tips for Public Charging

Pre-Journey Planning

1. Route Planning: Use Zap-Map to identify charging locations along your route
2. Backup Chargers: Always have 2-3 backup options in case of faults
3. Peak Avoidance: Avoid motorway services 11am-2pm and 5pm-7pm
4. Weather Buffer: Add 20% range buffer in winter conditions

At the Charging Station

1. Check Availability: Use app to verify charger operational before arrival
2. Position Correctly: Park close to charger to reach cable (cables vary 3-5 metres)
3. Authenticate First: Start payment session before plugging in
4. Monitor Session: Check app after 2 minutes to confirm charging started
5. Charge to 80%: Rapid charging slows significantly above 80% SoC

Cost Optimization

1. Time-of-Use: Some networks offer cheaper overnight rates (Shell Recharge, Pod Point)
2. Membership Threshold: Calculate monthly usage to determine if subscription saves money
3. Free Charging: Prioritise free Pod Point locations for destination charging
4. Avoid Ultra-Rapids: Use 50kW rapids when time permits (30% cheaper than 150kW+)

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Charger Won't Start:

1. Check app shows "Available" status
2. Ensure payment method valid
3. Try unplugging and reconnecting
4. Use alternative charger and report fault

Slow Charging Speed:

1. Check vehicle's maximum charge rate (e.g., 50kW vs 150kW capability)
2. Battery temperature affects charging speed (slower when cold/hot)
3. Sharing power with adjacent charger reduces output
4. High battery SoC (>80%) naturally slows charging

Payment Issues:

1. Verify strong mobile signal for app authentication
2. Use contactless as backup payment method
3. Keep RFID card in vehicle for emergencies
4. Contact network support via app chat

Regional Coverage Analysis

England

Best Covered: South East, London, Midlands

• BP Pulse: Excellent (Tesco partnership)
• Shell Recharge: Excellent (lamppost network)
• Ionity: Good (motorway coverage)

Least Covered: Rural Devon, Cornwall, Northumberland

• Recommendation: Plan charging stops carefully; use Zap-Map

Scotland

Best Covered: Central Belt (Glasgow-Edinburgh corridor)

• ChargePlace Scotland: 2,500+ chargers (many free)
• BP Pulse: Good coverage
• Ionity: Limited (improving)

Least Covered: Highlands and Islands

• Recommendation: Charge at every opportunity; carry backup charger

Wales

Best Covered: South Wales (Cardiff, Swansea, M4 corridor)

• BP Pulse: Good coverage
• Pod Point: Moderate coverage

Least Covered: Mid and North Wales

• Recommendation: Use route planning; consider range-extended models for rural areas

Northern Ireland

Best Covered: Greater Belfast, main routes

• ESB Energy: Primary network (1,500+ chargers)
• BP Pulse: Limited presence

Least Covered: Rural counties

• Recommendation: Rely on ESB network; limited competition affects pricing

Future Network Developments (2025-2026)

Expansion Plans

BP Pulse: Adding 3,000+ chargers by end 2025

• Focus on motorway ultra-rapid (150-350kW)
• Expanding Tesco partnerships

Gridserve: 100+ new Electric Forecourts planned

• Premium facilities with 350kW charging
• Targeted at strategic A-road locations

Shell Recharge: 10,000+ additional lamppost chargers

• Expanding beyond London to major cities
• Trials of faster AC charging (22kW)

Technology Improvements

Megawatt Charging: Trials beginning 2025

• Up to 1,000kW (1MW) charging speeds
• Adds 100 miles in 3-4 minutes
• Commercial vehicles initially, then passenger EVs

Wireless Charging: Pilot programmes expanding

• Park-and-charge without cables
• 11-22kW charging speeds
• Currently limited to taxis and fleet vehicles

V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid): Commercial rollout 2025

• Earn money by feeding battery back to grid
• Peak demand support
• Currently requires compatible charger and vehicle

Environmental and Grid Considerations

Renewable Energy Sources

Gridserve: 100% renewable electricity

• Solar canopies at forecourts
• Battery storage integration

Ionity: Increasingly renewable-powered

• Renewable Energy Guarantees of Origin (REGOs)

BP Pulse: Mixed sources

• Working towards 100% renewable by 2030

Grid Impact

Peak Demand Management:

• Smart charging algorithms shift load off-peak
• Battery storage buffers grid demand
• Dynamic pricing encourages off-peak usage

Local Grid Capacity:

• Some rural areas have limited grid capacity
• Can affect charging speeds during peak times
• Network operators upgrading infrastructure 2025-2030

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need multiple memberships for different charging networks?

No, you don't need multiple memberships. Roaming networks like Zap-Map, Bonnet, and Electroverse allow you to access multiple charging networks through a single app and payment method.

However, if you frequently use one specific network (e.g., Ionity for motorway travel), a direct membership may offer better discounts than aggregator apps. For example, Ionity Passport (£10.99/month) saves £0.05/kWh compared to pay-as-you-go rates.

Recommended approach:

• Use a roaming app (Zap-Map or Electroverse) as your primary method
• Subscribe to one specific network if you charge 200kWh+ per month on that network
• Keep payment cards updated in multiple apps as backup

Which UK charging network offers the best value for money?

It depends on your charging patterns:

For destination charging (shopping, leisure): Pod Point offers the best value, with many locations offering free charging funded by the host (e.g., Lidl stores).

For motorway rapid charging: Gridserve currently offers the most competitive ultra-rapid charging at £0.66/kWh (350kW chargers), compared to BP Pulse (£0.69/kWh) and Ionity (£0.74/kWh pay-as-you-go).

For urban kerbside charging: Char.gy provides good value at £0.45/kWh for residents without driveways, though charging is slower (5.5kW).

Money-saving tip: Use Bonnet Turbo membership (£8/month) if you charge 50kWh+ monthly on public networks—the 15% discount typically saves £10-20/month, offsetting the subscription cost.

How can I find charging points on motorways?

Use the Zap-Map app for comprehensive motorway charging locations:

1. Filter by charger speed: Select "Rapid" (50kW+) and "Ultra-Rapid" (150kW+) for quickest top-ups
2. Route planning feature: Enter your journey and Zap-Map suggests optimal charging stops
3. Live availability: Check real-time status before you arrive

Major motorway networks:

• Gridserve Electric Highway: M25, M1, M6, M4 service areas
• Ionity: Strategic motorway locations with 350kW chargers
• BP Pulse: Extensive coverage at motorway services

Most motorway service areas now have multiple networks, so you typically have 2-4 charging options at each location. Always plan with a backup charger in case your first choice is busy or faulty.

Are public charging networks reliable?

Reliability varies by network and location. According to Zap-Map's 2024 Reliability Report:

Most reliable networks (95%+ uptime):

• Ionity: 96% reliability
• Gridserve: 95% reliability
• Tesla Supercharger: 99% reliability (Tesla vehicles only)

Average reliability (85-90% uptime):

• BP Pulse: 88% reliability
• Shell Recharge: 87% reliability

Common reliability issues:

• Payment system failures (use contactless as backup)
• Communication errors (unplug and reconnect)
• Reduced power output (charger sharing load with adjacent unit)
• Physical damage to cables or connectors

Improving reliability: Networks are upgrading older units and implementing remote diagnostics to identify faults before users arrive. Zap-Map's user reviews help identify consistently problematic chargers.

Pro tip: Always have 2-3 backup charging locations planned for long journeys.

Can I use any public charger with my electric vehicle?

Yes, almost all public chargers in the UK use standardised connectors:

AC Charging (7-22kW):

• Type 2 (Mennekes): Universal standard for all EVs sold in UK since 2018
• Older vehicles may have Type 1 (requires adapter cable)

DC Rapid Charging (50kW+):

• CCS (Combined Charging System): Standard for most European and American EVs (VW, BMW, Mercedes, Ford, Hyundai, Kia, etc.)
• CHAdeMO: Japanese standard (Nissan Leaf, older Mitsubishi models)
• Tesla vehicles (2019+) can use CCS chargers with built-in adapter

Most rapid chargers provide both CCS and CHAdeMO cables, so you can charge regardless of your vehicle's connector type.

Exception: Tesla Superchargers are gradually opening to non-Tesla vehicles, but not all locations are currently available to all brands.

Compatibility tip: Check your vehicle handbook for maximum charging speed—there's no benefit using a 350kW charger if your vehicle can only accept 50kW.

What happens if a charger breaks down during my journey?

If a charger fails during your journey:

Immediate actions:

1. Check Zap-Map: Find nearest alternative charger (filter by availability)
2. Report fault: Use network's app to report issue (helps other drivers)
3. Contact support: Most networks offer 24/7 phone support for breakdowns
4. Reassess range: Recalculate if you can reach next charger safely

Preventive measures:

• Plan backup chargers: Always identify 2-3 alternatives along your route
• Charge to 80%: Gives safety buffer if next charger is unavailable
• Monitor battery: Don't let charge drop below 20% before seeking charging
• Download offline maps: Some rural areas have poor mobile signal

Network support:

• Gridserve: 24/7 phone support, typically respond within 2 hours
• BP Pulse: In-app chat support, 24/7 phone line
• Ionity: 24/7 multilingual support line

Emergency backup: Some breakdown services (AA, RAC) now offer mobile charging vans that can provide emergency top-up (typically 10-15 miles range) to reach nearest charger. This service usually requires EV-specific breakdown cover.

How do charging costs compare to petrol?

Public charging is generally cheaper than petrol, but the savings vary significantly based on network and charging speed:

Cost comparison (January 2025):

Petrol vehicle (40mpg efficiency):

• Fuel cost: £1.45/litre (average UK)
• Cost per mile: £0.13/mile

EV on destination charging (Pod Point, 7kW at £0.35/kWh):

• Vehicle efficiency: 3.5 miles/kWh (typical)
• Cost per mile: £0.10/mile (23% cheaper than petrol)

EV on rapid charging (BP Pulse, 50kW at £0.55/kWh):

• Vehicle efficiency: 3.5 miles/kWh
• Cost per mile: £0.16/mile (23% more expensive than petrol)

EV on ultra-rapid charging (Ionity, 350kW at £0.74/kWh):

• Vehicle efficiency: 3.5 miles/kWh
• Cost per mile: £0.21/mile (62% more expensive than petrol)

Key insight: EVs save money when using home charging (£0.07/kWh overnight tariff = £0.02/mile) or cheap destination charging, but ultra-rapid public charging can be more expensive than petrol.

Cost optimisation strategy: Use rapid/ultra-rapid charging only when necessary (long journeys), and rely on home/destination charging for daily needs to maximise savings.

Is it cheaper to charge at home or use public chargers?

Home charging is significantly cheaper than public charging:

Home charging costs (Octopus Intelligent Go tariff):

• Off-peak rate: £0.07/kWh (11.30pm-5.30am)
• Cost per mile: £0.02/mile (based on 3.5 miles/kWh efficiency)
• Monthly cost (1,000 miles): £20

Public charging costs:

• Destination (7kW): £0.10/mile → £100/month for 1,000 miles
• Rapid (50kW): £0.16/mile → £160/month for 1,000 miles
• Ultra-rapid (350kW): £0.21/mile → £210/month for 1,000 miles

Annual savings (1,000 miles/month):

• Home vs destination charging: £960/year saved
• Home vs rapid charging: £1,680/year saved
• Home vs ultra-rapid: £2,280/year saved

Break-even analysis: Even if you need to install a home charger (£800-1,000 installed), you'll recover costs within 6-12 months if you drive 800+ miles monthly.

Exceptions: If you live in a flat without parking or terraced house without driveway, kerbside charging (Char.gy at £0.45/kWh = £0.13/mile) is your most economical option, though still 6x more expensive than home charging.

Recommendation: Prioritise home charging whenever possible, and use public charging only for top-ups and long journeys.

---

Conclusion

The UK's public charging infrastructure has matured significantly, offering multiple network options for every charging scenario. While no single network dominates, strategic use of roaming apps, memberships, and destination charging can keep costs competitive with home charging.

Key takeaways:

1. Use roaming apps (Zap-Map, Electroverse) to access multiple networks without juggling memberships
2. Prioritise destination charging (Pod Point, GeniePoint) for cheapest public charging
3. Subscribe strategically: Only pay for memberships if you charge 200kWh+ monthly on that network
4. Plan journeys carefully: Identify backup chargers and avoid peak times
5. Charge to 80% on rapids to minimise costs and maximise charging speed

As the UK works towards its 2030 petrol/diesel ban, public charging networks continue expanding and improving. With strategic planning and the right apps, public charging can be reliable, affordable, and convenient for all EV drivers.

Ready to optimise your EV charging strategy? Explore our related guides:

• Best Smart Energy Tariffs for EV Charging UK 2025
• Complete Home EV Charger Installation Guide UK 2025
• OZEV Grant Complete Application Guide 2025