How to pay for public EV charging
Contactless, apps, RFID cards and pence per kWh: how paying for public charging works in the UK.
Paying for public charging used to mean carrying a stack of apps and membership cards. It's now much simpler.
Contactless
Under the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023, new public chargers of 8kW and above, and existing rapid chargers, must accept contactless payment. You just tap a bank card or phone. Older, slower posts may still need an app.
Apps and RFID cards
Most networks have an app that shows live availability, starts sessions and sometimes offers member prices. Roaming apps and cards let you use several networks from one account.
How prices are shown
Prices are normally shown in pence per kWh. Some sites add a connection fee, a minimum spend, or overstay charges if you leave your car plugged in after it's finished. Prices change often, so check the price on the unit or in the app before you start.
Free charging
Some supermarkets, hotels and attractions offer free charging, usually for customers and sometimes only for a limited time. Locations listed as free in our charger directory come from operator or community data, so check the signs on site.