Finding Electric Car Charging Points in UK Cities

Electric cars are becoming the norm across the UK, and the public charger network has grown significantly in recent years. 

There are now more than 120,000 public charge points across the country, almost triple the number available in 2022. 

With so many networks, speeds and pricing models to choose from, finding the right charge point can still feel confusing if you're new to electric driving. 

In this guide, we'll explain how much public charging costs, the different speeds you'll come across, and how to find a charge point in the UK's major cities. 

How much you pay depends on the vehicle, the speed of the charger, the network you use, and how you pay.

According to Zapmap's Price Index, pay-as-you-go charging currently averages around 54p per kWh on standard chargers (under 50kW) and around 80p per kWh on rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. 

In practice, that means charging a typical 60kWh electric car from 10% to 80% at a rapid charger costs roughly £30 to £35, while topping up on a slower on-street or destination charger works out much cheaper.

You can often bring these costs down. Many networks offer subscriptions, off-peak tariffs or partner discounts, and some destination chargers at supermarkets, hotels and shopping centres remain free or discounted for customers, although these usually come with time limits or a minimum spend.

The cheapest way to charge remains at home on an EV-specific electricity tariff, where overnight rates can cut the cost of a full charge to a fraction of public prices.

In the UK, charging speeds are grouped into four bands: 

• Standard (3kW to 7.9kW) - The most common type of public charger, typically found on residential streets, in car parks and at workplaces. A full charge takes several hours, making these ideal for overnight charging. 
• Standard plus (8kW to 49kW) - Often found at destinations such as shopping centres, gyms and hotels. Depending on your car, a couple of hours plugged in can add a meaningful amount of range.
• Rapid (50kW to 149kW) - Found at motorway services, fuel forecourts and dedicated charging hubs. Most electric cars can charge from 10% to 80% in around 30 to 45 minutes.
• Ultra-rapid (150kW and above) - The fastest-growing part of the UK network. On a compatible car, an ultra-rapid charger can add well over 100 miles of range in 10 to 15 minutes, making long journeys almost as convenient as refuelling a petrol car.

Charger locations, prices and availability change weekly, so the best way to find a charge point is through a live map rather than a printed list: 

• Zapmap - the UK's most widely used charging app, showing nearly every public charge point in the country with live availability, pricing and driver reviews.
• Google Maps and Apple Maps - both now show charge point locations, connector types and, in many cases, live availability. Searching "EV charging near me" is often the quickest option on the move.
• Your car's built-in navigation - most new electric cars can find chargers along your route and, in many cases, precondition the battery on the way so you charge at the fastest possible rate.
• Network apps - apps from the major operators, such as bp pulse, Pod Point, InstaVolt, GRIDSERVE and Osprey, show live status for their own chargers and often unlock cheaper member pricing.

Fast Charge Point Close to the London Eye

Location: Concert Hall Approach, South Bank, SE1 8XU

Network / Operator: Charge Your Car

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £1.50 + £0.20/kWh

Fast Charge Point Close to Big Ben

Location: Q-Park Westminster, Great College Street, London SW1P 3RX

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x3 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £0.108/kWh; for Polar Plus subscription members only. Parking fees apply 24/7

Fast Charge Point Close to Hyde Park 

Location: Park Lane, London, W1K 7TY

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x34 Type 2 (Socket Only) 

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £0.108/kWh; for Polar Plus subscription members only. Parking fees apply

Fast Charge Point Close to Manchester Arndale

Location: Marks & Spencer-Longbridge House Manchester, 7 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1WT

Network / Operator: POD Point

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free to use, parking charges may apply

Fast Charge Point Close to Old Trafford 

Location: Marriott Manchester Salford Quays, 17-19 Trafford Road, Salford, M5 3AW

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Pay At Location 

Usage Cost: Rapids Polar Card 15p/kWh, Contactless 20p/kWh

Fast Charge Point Close to the Manchester AO Arena 

Location: RCP Parking, Angel Street, Manchester M4 1EH

Network / Operator: Recharge

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: 25p/kWh, Pay as you go, maximum stay 3 hours 

Fast Charge Point Close to Victoria Square & Birmingham City Centre

Location: Margaret Street, Birmingham, B3 3BX

Network / Operator: ESB EV-Solutions

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public 

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Location: Q-Park Brindley Place, 1 Brunswick Street, B1 2JF

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £0.108/kWh; for Polar Plus subscription members only

Fast Charge Point Close to the Cadbury World

Location: Sainsbury's Selly Oak, 1 Chapel Lane, Birmingham, B29 6SJ

Network / Operator: POD Point

Number Of Stations/Bays: x8 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Cardiff Castle

Location: NCP Greyfriars Road, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3AD

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £0.108/kWh; for Polar Plus subscription members only. £1.70 per hour for type 2. Parking fees apply

Fast Charge Point Close to Cardiff City Centre

Location: St. David's Shopping Centre Car Park, Hills Street, Butetown, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x4 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Inclusive; for Polar Plus subscription members only

Fast Charge Point Close to Cardiff Bay

Location: Tesco Superstore-Penarth, Terra Nova Way, Cardiff, CF64 1SA

Network / Operator: POD Point

Number Of Stations/Bays: x4 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Glasgow City Centre 

Location: Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1HO

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum

Location: Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum, Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AG

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Celtic Park

Location: Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow, G40 3HY

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Edinburgh Castle

Location: Lower Car Park, Edinburgh, Robertson Close, EH1 1LT

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to the Museum of Edinburgh

Location: Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh, Horse Wynd, EH99 1SP

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Edinburgh Zoo

Location: Royal Zoological Society, 134 Corstphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Titanic Belfast

Location: DRD Eastside Middle Path, A1 Belfast, BT5 4BG

Network / Operator: E-Car

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to St George's Market

Location: DRD Car Park on Cromac Street, Belfast, BT2 8JN

Network / Operator: E-Car

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Belfast City Hall

Location: 23-91 Adelaide Street, Belfast, BT2 8GB

Network / Operator: E-Car

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

The UK's charging network is growing by thousands of devices every quarter, and for most city drivers, charging an electric car is now easier than ever. If you're ready to make the switch, leasing is a cost-effective way to drive a brand new electric car without the upfront cost of buying.

Nationwide Vehicle Contracts offers a wide range of electric car leasing deals at competitive prices. For more information, check out our full range of electric car guides or call one of our leasing experts on 0345 811 9595.