UK EV Rapid Charging Networks - A Guide for New Car Buyers

Published Date: 23rd Jul 2024

New Car EV Charging Point

UK Electric Car Charging

The public rapid charging infrastructure has always been challenging to use. It has come a long way from just a few years ago when multiple apps and radio frequency identification (RFID) were needed to operate charge points on different networks. Today, most networks still have their own apps, which offer advantages like access to receipts and detailed charging session information. Many also offer subscriptions that unlock lower charging rates. However, for ad hoc charging sessions, drivers can generally turn up at a charger, pay with a contactless bank card, and be on their way. One drawback of this approach is that charge points cannot print receipts, so drivers must be aware of the process for obtaining these. In this update, we compare what some of the UK's largest public rapid charger networks offer, including network size, cost to use, and their growth plans:

BP Pulse

Number of charge points: BP Pulse has over 3,000 rapid (50kW) and ultra-fast (150kW) charging bays across the UK.
Cost: Rapid chargers cost 77p/kWh on a pay-as-you-go basis, while subscribers pay £0.63/kWh. Ultra-fast chargers cost 83p/kWh on a pay-as-you-go basis, with subscribers paying 69p/kWh. Prices are reviewed regularly to ensure they are in line with energy tariffs.
Receipt process: Receipts can be viewed immediately via the BP Pulse app. Alternatively, customers can complete an online form on the company's website to receive a receipt.
Growth ambitions: BP Pulse plans to invest up to £1bn over ten years in UK charging infrastructure. It has more than doubled the number of ultra-fast charging bays in its network and built the largest EV charging hub in the country at the NEC in Birmingham. By 2030, BP Pulse aims to have hundreds more rapid and ultra-fast EV charging hubs across the UK.

Fastned

Number of charge points: Fastned operates over 300 charging hubs across Europe, with over 1,800 chargers. As of April 2024, Fastned's UK network consists of 120 chargers across 22 charging hubs.
Cost: 73p/kWh on a pay-as-you-go basis, with a gold membership offering a 30% discount.
Receipt process: Payments via the Fastned app generate a monthly invoice for all charging sessions. Alternatively, drivers can use contactless payment and scan a QR code to get a receipt.
Growth ambitions: Fastned aims to grow its network to over 1,000 charging hubs by 2030, with new sites opening every month in the UK.

Gridserve

Number of charge points: Gridserve's Electric Highway includes over 180 locations with over 1,300 charging bays, offering chargers from low-power (up to 22kW) to high-power (up to 350kW).
Cost: 79p/kWh for DC charging and 49p/kWh for AC charging.
Receipt process: Receipts can be downloaded from Gridserve's website using the last four digits of the payment card. Regular users can sign up to receive automated receipts via email.
Growth ambitions: Gridserve plans to expand significantly, adding 300 new charging bays last year. It is constructing two new major Electric Forecourts and continues to grow its network monthly.

InstaVolt

Number of charge points: InstaVolt currently has 1,508 chargers across the UK, mainly offering 120kW and 160kW speeds.
Cost: 85p/kWh, with prices reviewed regularly.
Receipt process: VAT receipts can be generated using a tool on InstaVolt's website by entering session details.
Growth ambitions: InstaVolt aims to install 11,000 ultra-rapid chargers in the UK and Ireland by 2030.

Osprey Charging

Number of charge points: Osprey Charging has over 1,000 high-powered charge points across Great Britain.
Cost: 79p/kWh, regardless of payment method.
Receipt process: For contactless payments, receipts can be downloaded directly from the Osprey app or requested via the website.
Growth ambitions: Osprey plans to add 500 more charge points in high-powered hubs across the UK.

Shell Recharge

Number of charge points: Shell Recharge offers over 25,000 public charge points in the UK and over 600,000 across Europe, including over 700 Shell-branded points.
Cost: 79p/kWh for fast Charging and up to 93p/kWh for rapid/ultra-rapid Charging.
Receipt process: Receipts can be requested by emailing [email protected] with transaction details.
Growth ambitions: Shell aims for 90% of UK car drivers to be within 10 minutes of a Shell EV charger by 2035, with various chargers to meet multiple needs.

Smart Charge

Number of charge points: Smart Charge, owned by Sainsbury's, currently offers 371 bays at 45 locations, with at least 150kW and some sites providing 300kW.
Cost: 75p/kWh.
Receipt process: Customers can scan a QR code on the charger display to track the charge and view the receipt.
Growth ambitions: Smart Charge aims to deploy 750 charging bays by the end of 2024.
Amplified Charging: with contactless payments and unified app features, EV charging is now easier.
Receipt Management: Understand how to obtain receipts since charge points typically do not print them.
BP Pulse Expansion: Over 3,000 rapid and ultra-fast chargers with £1bn investment for growth.
Fastned Growth: Aiming for 1,000 hubs by 2030 with competitive membership pricing.
Gridserve Development: Over 1,300 bays with plans for new Electric Forecourts.
InstaVolt Ambitions: transparent pricing and plans to install 11,000 ultra-rapid chargers by 2030.

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