UK Public EV Charging Networks: A Head-to-Head Test
You’ve got your head around home charging, but what about when you venture further afield? For any potential EV owner, this is the next big question. The good news is that the days of a single, unreliable charger in a dark corner of a car park are largely behind us. The UK and Ireland now have multiple, high-quality “electric fuel stations” that make long-distance travel simple.
But who are the main players? Which network should you look for? We’ve put the biggest names head-to-head to show you what to expect on the road in 2025.
Public Charging Basics: What to Know Before You Plug In
- Connectors: For fast “DC” charging on the go, almost every car now uses the CCS connector.
- Speeds: Chargers are rated in kilowatts (kW) — the higher the number, the faster the charge.
Fast (7–22kW): Great for a top-up while shopping (adds ~25 miles per hour).
Rapid (50kW): The old standard, common in towns (adds ~100 miles in 40 mins).
Ultra-Rapid (100–350kW): The motorway heroes (adds ~100 miles in 15–20 mins).
Payment: The new standard is contactless bank card payment, making it as easy as buying a coffee. Many networks also have dedicated apps for added features.
The Major Networks: Head-to-Head
1. Gridserve Electric Highway
The one you’ll find at almost every motorway service station.
Gridserve famously took over the old Ecotricity network and has transformed it. Their Electric Forecourts® are state-of-the-art hubs, while their upgraded motorway sites are now the backbone of EV travel in the UK.
- Typical Speeds: Ultra-Rapid (up to 350kW).
- How to Pay: Contactless is standard, plus the Gridserve app.
- Cost: ~79p–85p/kWh.
Pros: Unbeatable motorway locations. Reliable, modern chargers with cafes and shops.
Cons: Often pricier due to premium locations. Busy at peak times.
Verdict: The dependable default choice for long UK motorway journeys.
2. InstaVolt
The one that’s famous for just working.
InstaVolt built its reputation on one thing: reliability. You’ll often find them at retail parks, gyms, and fast-food outlets like Costa Coffee and McDonald’s. They consistently rank highest for user satisfaction.
- Typical Speeds: Rapid & Ultra-Rapid (50–150kW).
- How to Pay: Simple contactless payment on every unit. No app required.
- Cost: ~75p–85p/kWh.
Pros: Unmatched reliability and the easiest payment experience in the business.
Cons: Fewer motorway sites. Smaller hubs compared to Gridserve.
Verdict: The gold standard for simplicity and trustworthiness. If you see one — use it.
3. Osprey
The one with the striking purple branding that’s popping up everywhere.
Osprey is rapidly expanding across the UK, especially on A-roads and in city centres. They focus on accessibility and large multi-charger hubs, designed for ease of use by all drivers.
- Typical Speeds: Ultra-Rapid (75–300kW).
- How to Pay: Contactless, app, and roaming cards supported.
- Cost: ~79p–89p/kWh.
Pros: Excellent reliability, inclusive charger layout, and growing network coverage.
Cons: Slightly higher cost at some premium locations.
Verdict: A fast-growing network that rivals the best. A strong go-to for urban and regional charging.
4. ESB e-cars (Ireland)
The dominant network across the island of Ireland.
ESB has long been the backbone of Irish EV infrastructure. Their upgrade programme now includes new high-power hubs nationwide, making road trips across Ireland easier than ever.
- Typical Speeds: Mix of Fast (22kW), Rapid (50kW), and Ultra-Rapid (150kW+).
- How to Pay: Via the ESB ecar connect app or RFID card. Some newer chargers have contactless.
- Cost: Competitive pay-as-you-go and subscription tariffs.
Pros: Largest coverage in both the Republic and Northern Ireland. Real-time charger status in app.
Cons: Older units can be temperamental; app reliance may deter casual users.
Verdict: The must-have network for Irish EV drivers. Download and register before travelling.
The Best of the Rest
Pod Point: Found in supermarkets like Tesco and Lidl. Mostly 7–22kW AC units, great for top-ups while shopping — many are free to use.
BP Pulse & Shell Recharge: The legacy fuel brands. Coverage is broad but quality varies — a mix of old units and brand-new ultra-rapids. Subscription plans can lower per-kWh costs.
Your Public Charging Toolkit
- Get the Zap-Map App: Non-negotiable. It maps almost every charger in the UK & Ireland, showing cost, speed, and real-time status.
- Have a Plan B: Always know your second-choice charger if your first is busy or offline.
- Charge to 80%: Fastest, most battery-friendly, and better etiquette for other drivers.
With modern cars and this rapidly improving network, public charging is no longer a source of anxiety. It’s simply a 20-minute coffee break on your journey.
Next: Your Home Charging Solution
Now that you know where to charge on the go, find out which home charger fits your lifestyle and budget in our latest guide: The Best EV Home Chargers on the Market in 2025.
