Electric vehicle (EV) charging in the UK is evolving quickly.
With the growing number of EVs on the road, understanding where to find free charging stations is becoming more important for drivers.
In this guide, we'll take a close look at the current state of free EV charging across the UK, including recent changes and future trends.
How many free EV charging points are there?
As of September 2021, nearly 20% of the 25,000 electric car charging stations listed on Zap-Map were free to use. This equates to around 5,000 free charging points scattered across various towns, cities, and locations in the UK.
However, experts predict that the availability of free charging will decrease over time as EV adoption increases. Grant Gold, director of real estate solutions at EV Connect, states, "As more and more people are adopting electric vehicles, free charging perks will slowly subside, and it will be a charge for charge."
Which areas have the most free EV chargers?
Scotland is leading the way with free EV charging, thanks to the government-backed initiative ChargePlace Scotland. The network has grown from 55 public charge points in 2013 to over 2,168 in 2022, with the majority of these charging points being free for members to use.
Additionally, the South East of England and Greater London also have a significant number of free chargers, with 489 and 355 respectively, according to Zap-Map data from April 2023.
Types of free EV charging points
Most free EV charging points are either slow chargers (3.6kW to 7kW) or fast chargers (7kW to 22kW). Slow chargers are often found at homes or in public car parks and can take between 6 to 12 hours for a full charge. Fast chargers, typically found at destinations like supermarkets or car parks, can provide a full charge in 1 to 6 hours.
Free rapid chargers (50kW to 99kW) are rare due to their high maintenance costs but can still be found in some locations, particularly in Scotland. These chargers use direct current (DC) and can charge an electric car to 80% in around 20 to 40 minutes.
Common locations for free EV charging points
Free EV charging points can often be found at places with high foot traffic or destinations looking to attract visitors. These include:
- Supermarkets: Stores like Tesco, Sainsbury's, Lidl, and Aldi sometimes offer free EV charging points to customers. However, it's important to check with your local store as not all locations provide this service.
- Attractions: Museums, zoos, theatres, garden centres, and National Trust properties often have free EV charging points available for visitors.
- Hotels and B&Bs: Many accommodations offer free EV charging to their guests as an added perk.
- Car parks: Public, retail, and workplace car parks are common locations for free EV charging points, benefiting both visitors and commuters.
- Universities and colleges: Some educational institutions provide free charging for students, staff, and even visitors, often in partnership with charging networks like ChargePoint.
- National parks: There are over 140 free chargers available across 23 parks and campgrounds nationwide, some of which are powered by on-site solar fields or sponsored by EV manufacturers like Rivian.
Uber's Green Initiative
Uber is making significant contributions to the electric vehicle landscape in London, aiming to be fully electric in the city by 2025. The company has invested £5 million to install over 700 charge points across north and east London, expanding the city's charging network by more than 7%.
These chargers are accessible to all drivers and residents, particularly benefiting people in areas like Brent, Newham, and Redbridge. Uber's commitment to sustainability is also evident through its Uber Green service, allowing riders to request an EV at standard rates. With 90% of new Uber drivers using fully electric vehicles, the company's initiatives are significantly advancing the EV market and promoting a greener future.
How can I find free EV charging points near me?
Finding free EV charging points near you is easier than ever, thanks to various apps and websites that can help you locate them, such as:
- Zap-Map: Users can filter by payment type and select "free to use" to view all the free charge points currently available across the UK.
- PlugShare, ChargeFinder, and ChargeHub: These charging map services allow you to search for free chargers in your area and provide additional information such as charging time limits, charging level, and station status.
Remember that free chargers are often in high demand and may be slower than paid ones, so it's a good idea to have backup charging locations in case the free ones are unavailable.
Do Supermarkets offer free EV charging?
The availability of free EV charging at supermarkets varies by store and location. Here's a breakdown of some major UK supermarkets and their EV charging policies:
- Tesco: While Tesco previously offered free EV charging at some locations, they have since implemented a fee for those wanting to plug in. Tesco currently has the largest network of fast chargers in the UK, with over 600 points at 300 locations, in cooperation with Pod Point and Volkswagen.
- Sainsbury's: Sainsbury's launched its ultra-rapid charging network across the UK in early 2024, but these chargers are not free to use. As of January 2024, flat rate charging was priced at 75p per kWh.
- Aldi: Some Aldi locations offer free EV charging, while others have paid charging points starting from 59p per kWh.
- Asda: Asda provides paid EV charging at select locations, with prices starting from 65p per kWh.
- Co-op, Lidl, Morrisons, and Waitrose: These supermarkets generally do not offer free EV charging, instead providing paid charging options starting from 29p to 59p per kWh.
Always check with your local store to confirm their EV charging options and prices, as they may vary by location.
The future of free EV charging in the UK
While free EV charging is still available across the UK, it's likely that these no-fee charging options will diminish over time as EV adoption continues to rise. As more people switch to electric vehicles, the demand for charging infrastructure will increase, and businesses may find it less sustainable to offer free charging as a long-term solution.
However, the growing number of public charging points and the continued support from the government and EV manufacturers suggest that charging an electric vehicle will remain more cost-effective than traditional petrol or diesel cars. Additionally, initiatives like the Rapid Charging Fund, which aims to expand the UK's rapid charging network, will help ensure that EV drivers have access to convenient and affordable charging options in the future.
