Public EV charging stations in major UK cities

As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, the need for accessible and efficient public charging stations has become more critical. This blog post will serve as a comprehensive guide to the public EV charging stations in major UK cities for EV owners, potential buyers, and the eco-conscious public. It will cover the availability, access, and cost of these facilities, ensuring that you never run out of power on the road.

Availability of charging stations

With over 61,000 public chargers now available across the UK. The availability of charging stations in the major UK cities has never been more of an important subject. In London alone, there are over 5000 public charging points and this number is growing rapidly. Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds are not far behind with a significant number of charging stations. The UK government has committed to making the country's infrastructure EV-friendly with a target to install at least 3000 more charging points across the nation by 2024. Most of these stations are strategically located in public areas such as shopping centres, car parks, and service stations but future growth will see chargers ingraining themselves in other typical day-to-day activity areas.

Access to charging stations

Access to charging stations in the UK is pretty straightforward. Many of them are available 24/7 and can be used by anyone with an EV. To use these facilities, you need to register with the respective service provider, either through their website or mobile app. Once registered, you can find available charging points, check their status, and start or stop a charging session. Some providers even offer RFID cards for easier access. It's important to note that charging times can vary based on the type of charger and the vehicle model. It's also worth noting that not all connector types will be supported and you have to plan for this beforehand so you don't end up disappointed.

Cost of using charging stations

The cost of using public EV charging stations in the UK varies. Some providers offer free charging, especially at shopping centres and supermarkets. However, most require payment, which is often based on the amount of power consumed during the charging session. But a new growing trend surrounding the convenience cost of charge delivery speed is something to keep an eye on, as it gives operators a new lever to charge a premium for faster charging (this dynamic has never existed in the petrol and diesel worlds). The average cost ranges from 15p to 30p per kWh, but some rapid chargers have been known to be even more expensive. Some providers also offer monthly subscription plans that provide unlimited charging for a fixed fee. It's always a good idea to check the pricing details before starting a charging session to avoid any surprises.

Conclusion

The UK is making significant strides towards being an EV-friendly nation. With the increasing number of public EV charging stations in major cities, owning an electric vehicle has never been more convenient. As the country works towards its goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, the future of transport is undoubtedly electric. So whether you're an EV owner, considering becoming one, or simply want to understand the EV landscape better, we hope this guide has been useful. Stay charged and keep cruising!