Why do public charging prices vary so much?

Prices depend on the charger speed, network, location, and whether you have a subscription. Slow chargers at supermarkets may be free, while ultra-rapid chargers at motorway services can cost 70-80p/kWh. Subscription plans can reduce per-kWh costs significantly.

Is it worth getting a charging network subscription?

If you regularly use public chargers, a subscription can save money. For example, some networks offer 10-20% discounts for a monthly fee. Calculate your typical monthly public charging spend and compare with the subscription cost plus discounted rates.

How do I find the cheapest chargers near me?

Apps like Zap-Map, PlugShare, and A Better Route Planner show charger locations and prices in real time. Many drivers use a combination of networks and plan routes around cheaper chargers for regular journeys.

What are the main public charging networks in the UK?

Major UK networks include BP Pulse, Gridserve, Ionity, Tesla Superchargers (now open to non-Tesla), Pod Point, Osprey, and GeniePoint. Prices and speeds vary significantly. Using an aggregator app like Zapmap helps find the best options nearby.

How do I pay for public charging?

Most networks accept contactless payment or their own app. Some older chargers require an RFID card or specific app. New UK regulations require all new rapid chargers to accept contactless card payment. It is worth having 2-3 charging apps installed for flexibility.

CarCalcs

Public Charging Calculator

Compare costs across different public charging networks.

Energy Needed

Efficiency

Network Rates (enter at least 2)

Network A Rate

e.g. BP Pulse, Pod Point

Network B Rate

e.g. Tesla, Gridserve

Network C Rate

e.g. Osprey, InstaVolt

How We Calculate This

This calculator compares the cost of charging the same amount of energy across different networks.

The Formula

Charging cost = Energy needed (kWh) x Rate (p/kWh)
Cost per mile = Charging cost / (Energy x Efficiency)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.