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Last updated: 30 July 2024

EV Chargers: Your Ultimate Guide

EV Chargers Guide

Electric vehicles are fast becoming one of the best ways to reduce carbon emissions worldwide. Their ability to get to us from A to B with zero emissions revolutionises the transport industry, responsible for 26% of the country's total emissions. 

Switching to an electric vehicle can save up to 80% of the carbon emitted by a regular combustion engine. This is why the UK Government have set ambitious plans to ensure all new cars sold by 2035 will be zero-emission vehicles.

However, one key component of this mission will be to ensure access to adequate charging stations. In recent years, EV chargers (or electric vehicle chargers) have become commonplace in garages and large car parks, but many people still need to be convinced to use them. 

Despite an impressive growth in charging stations of 43% in the last year, drivers still have anxiety about the availability of public charging ports. Fears of being left with a flat battery have created anxiety and a significant barrier for people to transition to an electric vehicle. 

In this article, we'll explore exactly what the UK electric vehicle charging landscape looks like. How many charging points nationwide, and how easy can they access? We'll also break down different types of chargers and discover the benefits of home charging. In this guide, we'll answer all your questions and look further at the future of electric vehicles in the UK.

Number of EV charging stations

It's estimated that there are approximately 950,000 electric cars on the roads in the UK, indicating the need for adequate charging stations. The good news is that by the end of November 2023, the UK had 53,029 public-use electric charging points found across nearly 31,000 locations. This marks an increase of almost 50% from the previous year's figures.

EV Chargers Guide Number of Points UK

UK charging points by geographical area

Some regions across the UK have more charging points than others. For example, in the table below, sourced via Zapmap, we can see that Greater London has the most charging points, with over 18,000 recorded as of November 2023. 

In contrast, perhaps unsurprisingly, more remote areas such as the Isle of Man have less than 100. This shows us that location is likely to impact the uptake of electric vehicles if access to charging points isn't readily available.

RegionNumber of DevicesPercentage
Greater London18,39634.7%
South East6,13711.6%
Scotland4,4958.5%
West Midlands4,0907.7%
South West3,5176.6%
East of England3,4746.6%
North West3,4356.5%
Yorkshire and the Humber2,7385.2%
East Midlands2,4184.6%
Wales2,2064.2%
North East1,4792.8%
Northern Ireland4450.8%
Channel Islands1020.2%
Isle of Man970.2%
Source: Zapmap, 30th November 2023

Map of UK charging stations

We've provided an interactive map below to show how many EV charging stations are near you clearly. Click on your region (labelled by constituency area) to see the number of charging points.

The simplest and quickest way to find a station near you is to download an app or visit a website which helps you locate your nearest charging points. Below are some of the top-rated sites you can use:  

Each one will show you the latest data, the full range of charging types and their current availability. In addition, it's thought that there are over 680,000 charging points installed in homes or at office locations, some of which may be free to use. 

Types of EV charging stations

There are several ways to charge your electric vehicle. These include at-home and public chargers in large car parks or local fuelling stations. You must understand key features to pick the right charging point wherever you charge your vehicle. 

You may need to bring your charging cable along in your car in case the point you find doesn't have one or doesn't have the right connection for your vehicle. You'll also need to know what charge speed and connection your vehicle needs. 

As many EV chargers are available for public use, it can be unclear to make sense of. To make this easier, we've detailed each type below.

Home chargers

There are two main at-home chargers: plug into a standard home socket or install an EV charger. 

Electric car guide sow home electric socket explained
Electric car guide home charge slow explained
New Power Bandings

The Government has recently introduced new ‘Public Charge Point Regulations’. As part of this, new categories have been given to chargers based on their output. These categories will eventually replace current definitions. However, as both are still currently in use, we have included the old ones within this guide for clarity.

The new definitions are as follows:

  • 3 kW to 8kW – formerly ‘slow charging devices’
  • 8kW to 49kW – formerly ‘fast charging’
  • 50kW to 149kW – formerly ‘rapid charging’
  • 150kW and above – formerly ‘ultra-rapid charging’

Public chargers

Public chargers are usually defined by their kilowatt power, and depending on the battery size of your electric vehicle, some will be better suited than others.

EV car chargers guide fast charger
EV Chargers Guide Rapid charger Explained
Battery Size

The size of your car battery will determine the maximum amount of power it can hit. Regardless of whether you choose an ultra-rapid charger, your battery may not be able to reach the high output levels it provides.

EV Chargers Guide Ultra rapid charger

Revenue forecast

As we’ve seen, many charging points are readily available across the country, and several types of charging suit every need, but will this trend continue? 

A good way to assess the growth of our EV charging infrastructure is to look closely at revenue forecasts for the coming years. This gives insight into how the market hopes to tackle increased demand, particularly in light of recent government commitments to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars between 2030 and 2035. 

This plan aims to accelerate the uptake of green transport options, so how will this affect the EV charging industry? Recent reports suggest the UK EV charging market is expected to grow by 19.35% (CAGR) by 2028 at approximately £1,072.647 million

Below is a projection of revenue growth of UK EV charging stations between 2016 and 2027. There is a rapid increase from 2021 onwards, with predicted revenues of around £296.9 million in the next 4 years. 

EV Charging Stations Predicted Revenue UK 2023 2027 GBP

Market reports indicate that this growth has been caused by large company investments in recent years. Some of these notable commitments include: 

  • ChargeUK will invest £6 billion into EV charging infrastructure by 2030.
  • BP Pulse is adding high-speed EV charge stations to over 70 M&S stores. M&S will invest £1 billion in EV infrastructure by 2030.
  • Swarco Smart Charging launched PoGo in February 2023, setting up more than 12,000 charging stations in the UK.
  • Shell committed a £250 million investment in the UK's charging network over the next five years to install 50,000 new charging points. 

With this increase in investments and predicted market growth, hopes are high for the future of our EV infrastructure if we continue to progress at this rate.

Types of charger connection plugs

In addition to knowing which speed of charge your EV needs, you will also need to know what kind of connection (or plug type) it uses. Much like every car takes specific tyres, your vehicle will come with all the information you need to find the right charging connection (this is just like picking the correct fuel pump at the garage). 

There are 4 main connection types, which correlate to charge speed. We’ve detailed these types below with examples of how they each look. Different connection options may be available at the station point depending on the charge speed and type of charger you use. 

EV Chargers Plug Connector Types Guide Explained

Cost to charge an electric car

Owning an electric vehicle saves money on highly volatile traditional fuel costs. However, many wonder, ‘How much does it cost to charge an electric car?’. 

Free charging points are available across the country. However, these are typically found in places known as ‘destination charging’ points. These are places where you will park for a limited amount of time, such as supermarket car parks, office buildings, hotels, etc. For example, they allow you to recharge while shopping or working. 

These are highly convenient ways to keep your car topped up. However, costs are involved if you’re making long journeys or needing to charge your car overnight at home. For example, ‘on the go’ charging stations, which are those found at service stations or garages, usually offer higher speed chargers at a price. 

Many EV chargers work alongside an app or contactless payments for easy use. However, some older charging stations can require membership or pre-payment cards (luckily, these are being phased out). 

How much you pay to charge an EV will depend on several factors, such as where you charge, the price of electricity at the time and what type of charger you use. 

According to industry experts, Zapmap, as of November 2023, charging through the public network cost on average:

EV Chargers Guide Price Per kWh Unit Annual Cost

Typical annual costs (depending on charging habits) can range from £1,020 - £1,620, compared to the average costs for a combustion engine vehicle, estimated at £1,540

Industry suppliers Pod Point recommends that you calculate the average cost of a full charge for your own EV using this formula: 

Tariff (28p/kWh) x Battery size (100kWh) ÷ 100 = Cost to fully charge (£28.00)

Below are some typical costs, as of December 2023, that you might expect to pay for a rapid charge using various public network suppliers.

Rapid/Ultra Rapid NetworksPay As You Go PriceFull Charge Approximates*
Instavolt85p/kWh£51
Bp Pulse79p/kWh£47
Genie Point79p/kWh£47
MFG79p/kWh£47
Grid Serve79p/kWh£47
Osprey79p/kWh£47
ESB Energy74p/kWh£44
Pod Point69p/kWh£41
Tesla Supercharger64p/kWh£38
ChargePlace ScotlandFree - £1/kWh£0 - £60
*Based on an average EV with a 60kWh battery. The ‘Pay as you Go’ data in this table has been sourced via Zapmap and should be used only as an estimate. Prices can fluctuate depending on location and current energy prices.

Home EV charger installation guide

With the rise of vehicles as an option, many drivers are considering installing electric vehicle charging stations at home and budget-friendly charging solutions. Here are some steps in setting up an electric vehicle charger points

Choosing the right home EV charger

When selecting a home EV charger, consider the following factors:

  • Charging speed: Most home chargers are 7kW, providing about 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging. Some models offer 3.6kW or 22kW options.
  • Smart features: Look for chargers with Wi-Fi connectivity, scheduling capabilities, and energy monitoring.
  • Tethered vs untethered: Decide whether you want a charger with a built-in cable or one that allows you to use your own.
  • Brand reputation: UK popular brands include Pod Point, Wallbox, and Ohme.

Home EV Charger Installation Requirements

Before installation, ensure you meet these requirements:

  • Off-street parking: Most installations require dedicated off-street parking.
  • Homeownership or landlord permission: You'll need approval if you're renting.
  • Electrical capacity: Your home should have sufficient electrical capacity for the charger.
  • Wi-Fi connection: Most smart chargers require internet connectivity.

EV charger installation process

While it might be tempting to DIY, professional installation is crucial for safety and warranty reasons. Here's what to expect:

  1. Site survey: An electrician assesses your home's electrical capacity and ideal charger location.
  2. Electrical upgrades: If needed, your fusebox might require an upgrade to handle the additional load.
  3. Charger mounting: The unit is securely fixed to your wall, typically near your parking space.
  4. Wiring and testing: The charger is connected to your electricity supply and thoroughly tested.

Home EV Charger Installation Costs

Installation costs in the UK typically range from £300 to £1,000, depending on complexity. Factors affecting cost include:

  • Cable length required
  • Any necessary electrical upgrades
  • Charger type and features

Benefits of home EV charging

Installing a home EV charger offers numerous advantages:

  • Convenience of charging at home
  • Lower charging costs compared to public stations
  • Increased property value
  • Potential for integration with solar panels or time-of-use tariffs

Choosing a qualified installer

Ensure your installer is OZEV-approved and registered with a competent person scheme like NICEIC or NAPIT. This guarantees compliance with UK electrical regulations and safety standards.

Optimising your charging

To make the most of your home EV charger:

  • Off-peak charging: Take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours.
  • Solar integration: Some chargers can prioritise solar energy for charging if you have solar panels.
  • Load balancing: Smart chargers can adjust charging speed based on your home's electricity usage.

Remember, home charging is typically much cheaper than public charging, with average costs around 5-14p per kWh compared to 20-40p per kWh at public stations.

Best home EV chargers in the UK

Here, we compare the best home EV chargers in the UK, highlighting their costs, power capacity and notable features. It's worth mentioning that the prices and functionalities can differ based on the models and setups. Additionally, it's essential to consider that installation expenses are usually not factored into these prices and may fluctuate depending on the situation.

Charger ModelPrice (£)
Without Installation
Power OutputKey Features
Easee OneFrom £5877.4kWTethered/untethered option, stylish design, simple app, solar integration
Ohme Home ProFrom £7997.4kWTethered, smart charging features, dynamic load balancing
ZappiFrom £7457kWSolar compatibility, eco-smart charging modes
Andersen A2From £1,199Up to 22kWCustomisable design, hidden cable storage, app control
Pod Point Solo 3From £7993.6kW/7kWRobust design, over-the-air updates, 3-year warranty
Wallbox Pulsar MaxFrom £7457.4kWCompact design, power sharing, solar integration
EVIOS OneFrom £6757.4kWTouchscreen interface, easy-to-use app, solar compatibility
Rolec QUBEV SmartFrom £5957.4kWCost-effective, OCPP compliant, load balancing
Simpson & Partners Home SeriesFrom £6497.4kWCustomisable design, long cable options, solar compatibility
Hypervolt Home 3 ProFrom £6907kWHigh customer satisfaction, voice control via Alexa
EO Mini Pro 3From £9667.2kWCompact and unobtrusive, smart home integration
Indra Smart ProFrom £8957.4kWSolar compatibility, vehicle-to-home (V2H) ready
Please be aware that the prices mentioned may not be current and might not cover installation charges. Installation costs usually vary between £300 and £500 depending on the level of complexity involved. The features and specifications could differ based on the model and setup you opt for. Verifying the details and seeking advice from a qualified installer before finalizing your purchase decision is advisable.

Future of EV chargers

As the landscape of electric vehicles continues to evolve in the UK, concerns have risen about our ability to keep up with the need for ample charging stations. As we’ve seen, the latest number of stations nationwide has surpassed 50,000 public use chargers. 

This increase shows that the demand and supply for electric vehicles are stronger than ever. With the announcement of recent Government policies, we can only expect this interest to grow in the coming years. 

Using solar panels to power electric vehicle (EV) charging stations offers several benefits. Solar-powered EV charging stations guarantee a 100% carbon-neutral footprint, as the electricity is generated from renewable solar energy rather than fossil fuels. 

Companies like BMW, Mitsubishi, and Whole Foods have implemented innovative solar-powered charging station designs, combining solar panels with visually appealing structures like canopies and arches to provide shade while charging EVs with clean energy.

The vast offering of different charging types, from home installation to free top-up supermarket stops, makes chargers much more accessible. Opening more charging ways could encourage people to switch to a highly efficient, zero-emissions vehicle. For instance, for home EV charging, a typical setup includes rooftop solar panels, an inverter to convert the DC power to AC, and a Level 2 EV charger compatible with the solar system, allowing homeowners to charge their EVs using renewable solar energy.

Although variable, the costs associated with charging are becoming increasingly competitive and are often offset by long-term savings in fuel. Moreover, the growing number of charging points and strategic installations at key locations, such as motorways and supermarkets, make electric vehicle ownership more convenient and practical.

As the country takes steps towards achieving its sustainability goals, the continued evolution of our charging infrastructure will undoubtedly be a key driver in accelerating the widespread adoption of clean and sustainable transportation.

Frequently asked questions