Electric vehicle charging stations have become a familiar sight across the UK as more drivers make the switch to EVs. With over 82,000 public charging devices at more than 40,000 locations nationwide, it’s easier than ever to keep your car topped up. But understanding how these stations work, where to find them, and what to expect is key to a stress-free EV experience.
This guide breaks down everything UK drivers and company car users need to know about electric vehicle charging stations in 2025.
What Is an Electric Vehicle Charging Station?
An electric vehicle charging station, or EV charge point, supplies electricity to recharge your car’s battery. These stations come in different types and speeds to suit various driving needs:
- Fast chargers (7kW–22kW): Ideal for top-ups during shopping trips or while at work
- Rapid chargers (50kW): Recharge 80% of a battery in 30–60 minutes
- Ultra-rapid chargers (150kW–350kW): Deliver high-speed charging for long journeys, often in 20–30 minutes
The right charger depends on your car’s capability and your journey requirements.
Where to Find EV Charging Stations in the UK
EV charging stations are widely distributed across the UK. You’ll find them at:
- Tesco and Lidl supermarkets offering free or low-cost charging
- Motorway services like MOTO and Welcome Break for ultra-rapid top-ups
- Public car parks in city centres
- The Celtic Manor and other hotels providing guest charging facilities
Using apps like ONEEV helps you find real-time availability and pricing before setting out.
Popular UK EV Charging Networks
Several providers operate extensive charging networks across the UK. Leading names include:
- InstaVolt – Known for rapid chargers and reliability
- BP Pulse – Offers membership discounts on rapid and ultra-rapid chargers
- Osprey – Transparent pricing and no subscription required
Each network has its own payment options, pricing, and availability. ONEEV’s comparison tool simplifies this by showing them side by side.
How to Pay at Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Most UK stations now support multiple payment methods:
- Although we only recommend you use in app-secure payment methods, to prevent scams and keep you in control
To make charging seamless, ONEEV offers in-app payment integration across multiple networks.
We also advise drivers to exercise caution when using public charging points. Avoid scanning QR codes on charging stations unless you are certain they are official, as scammers have been known to place fraudulent stickers to steal payment details. Similarly, be wary of card machines that look damaged or tampered with.
To safeguard our customers, we recommend using the ONEEV app for all payments where possible. This ensures a secure, direct connection to verified charging networks without the risk of third-party interference.
Tips for UK Drivers Using EV Charging Stations
- Plan your journey and charging stops in advance
- Check charger availability in real-time to avoid queues
- Take advantage of off-peak pricing where offered
- Keep your battery level between 20–80% for faster charging efficiency
These tips are especially useful for company car drivers managing tight schedules.
Why ONEEV Helps Simplify Charging
ONEEV makes it easy to find, compare, and pay for charging across the UK. With features designed for individuals and fleet managers, it’s the smart way to charge your EV in 2025.
Discover a better way to charge your EV. Download ONEEV today and enjoy real-time updates, price comparisons, and an effortless charging experience.
