Cheapest EV Charging Near Me
Compare EV charging prices across the UK. Find free chargers at supermarkets, affordable networks, and save money on your electric car charging.
Free EV Charging in the UK
Many UK locations offer free EV charging while you shop or stay. Here's where to find them:
Tesco (Pod Point)
Free 7kW charging
Most Tesco Extra and Superstore locations offer free 7kW charging with Pod Point while you shop.
Find Pod Point chargers →Lidl
Free while shopping
Many Lidl stores offer free EV charging. Check the Lidl app for locations with chargers.
Hotels & Destinations
Free for guests
Many hotels, restaurants, and shopping centres offer free destination charging for customers.
EV Charging Prices by Network
Compare typical charging costs across major UK networks. Prices vary by location and membership status.
Pod Point
Best ValueOsprey
InstaVolt
GeniePoint
BP Pulse
Shell Recharge
Tips to Save Money on EV Charging
Charge at home overnight
Home charging on an EV tariff costs just 7-10p/kWh - up to 10x cheaper than public rapid charging.
Use free supermarket chargers
Tesco and Lidl offer free charging while you shop. Perfect for your weekly top-up.
Get a network subscription
BP Pulse and other networks offer subscriptions with discounted per-kWh rates for regular users.
Stop at 80% on rapid chargers
Charging speed drops significantly after 80%. Save time and money by moving on sooner.
Plan longer stops at destination chargers
7-22kW destination chargers are cheaper than rapid chargers. Use them when you have time.
Avoid connection fees
Some networks charge connection fees. Check before plugging in - InstaVolt and Osprey have no hidden fees.
About EV Charging Costs in the UK
Public EV charging costs in the UK vary significantly between networks, locations, and charger speeds. Understanding these differences can help you save hundreds of pounds per year on your electric car charging.
UK EV Charging Price Ranges (2024)
- Home charging: 7-24p/kWh - By far the cheapest option if you have off-street parking. EV-specific tariffs like Octopus Go offer rates as low as 7p/kWh overnight.
- Destination charging (7-22kW): Free-70p/kWh - Often free at supermarkets, hotels, and shopping centres. Paid destination chargers are typically cheaper than rapid chargers.
- Rapid charging (50kW+): 65-90p/kWh - Most expensive but fastest option. Essential for long journeys but should be minimised for regular use.
Why Are Some Chargers Free?
Retailers like Tesco and Lidl offer free charging as a customer incentive - you spend money in their stores while your car charges. Hotels and restaurants do the same to attract customers. This makes destination charging while shopping or dining an excellent way to reduce your overall charging costs.
Network Subscriptions Worth Considering
If you frequently use public chargers, network subscriptions can offer significant savings:
- BP Pulse Subscription: Monthly fee for lower per-kWh rates
- Shell Recharge: App discounts for registered users
- IONITY Passport: Reduced rates for frequent long-distance travellers
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