With public EV charging infrastructure expanding rapidly across the United Kingdom, understanding the cost landscape has never been more important. As of April 2026, there are over 15 major charging networks operating in the UK, each with different pricing structures. This guide provides a comprehensive comparison of current per-kWh rates across all major operators.
UK EV Charging Prices – April 2026
The table below shows Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) rates for major UK charging networks. Prices are in pence per kWh (p/kWh).
| # | Network | AC Slow/Fast (p/kWh) | DC Rapid/Ultra-Rapid (p/kWh) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BP Pulse | 59p | 79p – 89p | Subscription rates significantly lower |
| 2 | Gridserve | — | 79p | Motorway & forecourt locations |
| 3 | InstaVolt | — | 85p | Contactless, no app required |
| 4 | Pod Point | 44p – 50p | 69p – 79p | Destination & retail locations |
| 5 | Ionity | — | 74p | Lower rate with Ionity Passport |
| 6 | Osprey Charging | — | 79p | Growing motorway network |
| 7 | GeniePoint | 55p | 85p – 90p | |
| 8 | ChargePoint | 50p | 70p | Workplace & destination focus |
| 9 | Ubitricity (Shell) | 45p | — | Lamppost chargers, AC only |
| 10 | MFG EV Power | — | 79p | Petrol forecourt fast charging |
| 11 | Fastned UK | — | 73p | Gold Member: ~51p |
| 12 | Mer UK | 55p | 75p | |
| 13 | Connected Kerb | 50p | — | On-street AC charging |
| 14 | Tesla Supercharger | — | 60p – 69p | Open to non-Tesla drivers |
| 15 | Be.EV | 50p | 70p | Northern England focus |
| 16 | RAW Charging | 55p | 75p | |
| 17 | Swarco e.Connect | 50p | 70p | |
| 18 | E.ON Drive | 55p | 75p | |
| 19 | Sainsbury's Smart Charge | 40p | — | While you shop, AC only |
| 20 | Believ | 40p | — | London on-street charging |
Last Updated: April 2026. Prices shown are standard PAYG rates. Subscription plans, apps and charge cards may offer significantly lower per-kWh rates. Always check the operator's app for location-specific pricing before charging.
Home Charging vs Public Charging: Cost Comparison
| Charging Method | Average Cost (p/kWh) | 60 kWh Full Charge |
|---|---|---|
| Home Charging (off-peak tariff) | 7p – 10p | £4.20 – £6.00 |
| Home Charging (standard rate) | ~25p | ~£15.00 |
| Public AC Charging | 40p – 55p | £24.00 – £33.00 |
| Public DC Rapid Charging | 69p – 89p | £41.40 – £53.40 |
Home charging on an off-peak EV tariff is up to 10x cheaper than public rapid charging.
Understanding UK Charging Speeds
Slow Charging (3–7 kW)
Typically found at lamppost chargers (Ubitricity) and older destination chargers. Full charge takes 8–20 hours. Ideal for overnight or all-day workplace charging.
Fast Charging (7–22 kW)
Common at car parks, supermarkets, and retail locations. Full charge in 3–8 hours. Popular for "top-up while you shop" use cases.
Rapid Charging (50 kW)
Found at motorway services, fuel stations, and EV charging hubs. Provides 80% charge in 40–60 minutes.
Ultra-Rapid Charging (100–350 kW)
Premium networks like Ionity, Gridserve, and Fastned. Can deliver 80% charge in 15–30 minutes depending on vehicle capability.
Why Do Prices Vary So Much?
- Infrastructure costs: Ultra-rapid chargers require significant grid connections and hardware investment (£100,000+ per unit).
- Location premium: Motorway service areas charge higher rents, which is passed through to customers.
- Business model: Some networks (e.g., Sainsbury's, Believ) offer cheaper rates as they generate revenue from other services.
- Payment method: Contactless/PAYG rates include processing fees. App-based or subscription rates are typically 10–30% cheaper.
How to Reduce Your Charging Costs
- Charge at home whenever possible: An EV-specific tariff (e.g., Octopus Intelligent Go, OVO Charge Anytime) offers rates as low as 7p/kWh overnight.
- Consider subscriptions: BP Pulse subscription, Fastned Gold, Ionity Passport — all offer meaningful per-kWh discounts.
- Use apps to compare: Apps like Zapmap show real-time pricing across all networks so you can find the cheapest nearby option.
- Avoid idle fees: Most rapid networks charge penalty fees (typically 10–15p/min) if you stay connected after charging completes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest public EV charging network in the UK?
As of April 2026, networks like Sainsbury's Smart Charge (40p/kWh AC) and Believ (40p/kWh AC) offer the lowest public rates. For rapid charging, Tesla Supercharger (60–69p/kWh) is among the most competitive.
How much does it cost to fully charge an electric car in the UK?
For a 60 kWh battery, home charging costs approximately £4–£15 depending on your tariff. Public rapid charging costs £41–£53 for the same charge.
Is BP Pulse expensive?
BP Pulse PAYG rates are among the highest at 79–89p/kWh for rapid charging. However, their subscription plan reduces this to approximately 55–65p/kWh, making it more competitive.
How much does Gridserve charging cost?
Gridserve charges approximately 79p/kWh at their Electric Highway motorway locations and Electric Forecourt sites as of April 2026.
Is rapid charging bad for your battery?
Occasional rapid charging is perfectly fine for modern EVs. However, consistently relying on rapid charging for daily charging can accelerate battery degradation over time. Home AC charging is gentler on the battery.
⚡ Calculate Your Exact Charging Costs
These are general tariff rates. To calculate the exact cost to charge your specific vehicle based on its battery capacity and your regional electricity rates, use our free tool.
Current Electricity Rates in Australia
Home (AC)
A$0.35/ kWh
Fast (DC)
A$0.60/ kWh
Written by
VoltCost
EV charging cost analysis platform.