How to Charge Your EV at a Public Charge Point
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In 2026, it is easier to find a public EV charge point in the UK than it is to find a petrol pump. According to the Department of Transport, there are over 116,052 public EV chargers now active across the UK, compared to an estimated 60,802 fuel pumps. The infrastructure argument against going electric has quietly disappeared. The playing field didn't just level, it tipped!
And yet, "range anxiety" stubbornly persists in the conversation. For those who haven't yet made the switch, the fear of running out of charge somewhere inconvenient still looms large. It's understandable - habits die hard. But the data is clear: range-related breakdowns now account for fewer than 2% of EV incidents, down from over 8% back in 2015. For real-world EV drivers, running out of charge is about as likely as forgetting to fill up a petrol car despite passing a dozen forecourts all week.
The conversation has moved on. The question is no longer "Where can I charge?" - it's "How do I charge as cost-effectively as possible?"
That's where The Charge Scheme comes in. For employees without a home driveway, or for anyone who regularly tops up on the public network, The Charge Scheme is the secret weapon that turns one of the most expensive ways to fuel a car into one of the most affordable. By paying for public charging via gross salary (before tax and National Insurance), employees can save between 20% and 50% on every single charge.
In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know: the state of the UK's charging network in 2026, exactly how to use a public charge point step by step, the difference between charger types, and how The Charge Scheme makes it all more affordable.
The State of UK Charging: Why Range Anxiety is Officially Over
Let's deal with the data head-on. As of January 2026, the UK has 116,729 public EV chargers spread across 45,242 locations - and that number is growing by hundreds every month. According to Zapmap, which provides the official data to the Department for Transport, the UK charging network grew by 13% in 2025 alone, with ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+) growing at a remarkable 40% year-on-year.
Compare that to petrol infrastructure, which has declined from around 40,000 forecourts in the 1960s to just 8,329 petrol stations today. The maths shows that EV chargers now outnumber petrol pumps by nearly two to one.
There are also 926 dedicated rapid charging hubs open to all EVs across the UK - these are high-powered, multi-bay facilities typically found at motorway services and major retail parks. These are built for the kind of "top up and go" experience that makes long-distance electric driving completely stress-free.
The Average Journey vs. The Average EV Range
Here's the context that really puts range anxiety to rest for good. The average UK car journey is just 8.1 miles long. The average annual mileage is 7,100 miles, which means the typical driver covers fewer than 20 miles per day. Now set that against the modern EV: the average new electric car sold in the UK in 2026 delivers around 280 miles of WLTP range, with many popular models comfortably exceeding 300 miles.
Unless you're driving Land's End to John o' Groats without stopping, you're extremely unlikely to come close to exhausting your battery between charges. Studies consistently show that over 95% of daily journeys can be covered comfortably with just 100 miles of range, and today's EVs offer two to three times that.
In 2026, Range Anxiety Is Psychological
Research backs this up in a telling way. While around a third of potential buyers worry about running out of charge before they buy an EV, only 1-2% of actual EV drivers have ever experienced a genuine range-related issue - and most say the concern disappeared within their first month of ownership. Range anxiety is, in almost every case, a pre-purchase worry rather than a lived reality!
Modern EVs reinforce this, too. Sophisticated digital range readouts, real-time efficiency calculations, and integrated navigation that automatically plans charging stops mean that running low on charge requires you to actively ignore several warnings. It's not like running out of petrol - your car won't let you forget.
Key Takeaways
The UK has over 116,700 public chargers, nearly double the number of petrol pumps
Ultra-rapid charger installations grew by 40% in 2025 alone
Modern EVs average 280+ miles of range; typical daily driving is under 20 miles
Only 1–2% of EV drivers have ever experienced a real range-related breakdown
The Step-by-Step Guide: Charging Your EV at a Public Charge Point
Think of public charging like using a contactless payment terminal at a coffee shop - once you've done it once, it becomes second nature. Here's the simple three-step process for charging your EV at a public charge point.
Step 1: Plug In
Find your charge point using The Charge Scheme app, which shows live availability across 87,000+ compatible chargers. Once you've arrived and confirmed the charger is ready (look for a green or white status light), connect the cable to your vehicle.
Tethered chargers have the cable built in - grab it and plug directly into your car's charging port until it clicks firmly into place.
Untethered chargers require your own Type 2 cable, which most EVs include as standard. Keep it in the boot, and you'll always be prepared.
For DC rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, the cable is always tethered, so there’s no kit required on your part.
Step 2: Tap to Authenticate
This is where The Charge Scheme makes life simple. Rather than juggling multiple apps or network memberships, simply tap your Charge Scheme RFID card against the reader on the charger, or authenticate directly through The Charge Scheme app. Your session starts automatically, and your charging cost is processed via your salary sacrifice arrangement - no out-of-pocket spending, no fuss.
Most charge points also accept contactless bank card payment as a fallback, but using your Charge Scheme card or app ensures you capture the salary sacrifice savings on every single charge.
Step 3: Monitor Your Session
Once your session is active, you'll see confirmation on the charger screen and in your vehicle's dashboard. Monitor your charge in real time via The Charge Scheme app on your smartphone - it shows live progress, estimated time to your target charge level, and session cost as it accumulates.
Most drivers aim for 80% - this is the sweet spot for battery health and is where fast-charging speeds begin to taper naturally. When you're ready to leave, stop the session via the app or the charger's stop button, unlock the cable, and you're on your way!
Key Takeaways
The Charge Scheme app shows live availability across 76,000+ charge points
Tethered chargers provide the cable; untethered chargers need your Type 2
Tap your Charge Scheme RFID card to authenticate and capture salary sacrifice savings
Monitor your session via smartphone; charge to 80% for optimal speed and health
Understanding Your Options: Slow, Fast, Rapid, and Ultra-Rapid
Not all charge points are created equal. Understanding the difference between charger types helps you choose the right one for the right moment and avoid paying peak rates when a cheaper option will do just as well.
Slow Chargers (3kW–6kW)
These are most commonly found on residential streets, in car parks, and at hotels. They're ideal for overnight or all-day charging when your car will be stationary for many hours. Expect to add roughly 10-20 miles of range per hour. These are typically the cheapest per-kWh option on the public network and are well-suited to drivers who use public charging as a low-urgency, regular top-up.
Fast Chargers (7kW–22kW)
Often found at supermarkets, leisure centres, and workplaces, fast chargers add 30-90 miles of range per hour, depending on their specific output. A typical 22kW fast charger can replenish a standard EV battery from near-empty in around 2–3 hours - perfect timing for a shopping trip or a full working day. These are a reliable everyday option that balances cost and convenience well!
Rapid Chargers (50kW–149kW)
Rapid chargers are the go-to for en-route charging - adding meaningful range in 20-45 minutes. You'll find them at motorway services, petrol forecourts, and dedicated EV hubs. A typical 50kW rapid charger can take an average EV from 20% to 80% in around 35–45 minutes - comfortably long enough to have a coffee and stretch your legs before continuing your journey.
Ultra-Rapid Chargers (150kW+)
This is where the public charging experience has transformed most dramatically. Ultra-rapid chargers (the fastest of which now reach 350kW) can add over 100 miles of range in as little as 10-15 minutes. In 2025, the UK saw 3,425 new ultra-rapid chargers installed, a 40% year-on-year growth rate. These are increasingly common at motorway services and are the definitive solution for time-sensitive long-distance drivers.
On a pay-as-you-go basis, rapid and ultra-rapid chargers average around 76p/kWh. With off-peak pricing, some networks bring this closer to 45p/kWh. And with The Charge Scheme's salary sacrifice saving of up to 50%, the effective cost drops further still - making even the most powerful chargers on the network genuinely affordable.
The Golden Rule: Match the charger to the occasion. Use slow and fast chargers for longer stays where cost matters most. Use rapid and ultra-rapid chargers when time is the priority, and you're on a longer journey.
Key Takeaways
Slow chargers (3–6kW) are cheapest; ideal for overnight or all-day stays
Fast chargers (7–22kW) suit a shopping trip or a full working day
Rapid (50–149kW) chargers add significant range in under 45 minutes
Ultra-rapid (150kW+) charger installations grew 40% in 2025; they're now widely available
How Does The Charge Scheme Reduce Public Charging Costs?
Let's be honest: public charging, particularly at rapid and ultra-rapid speeds, is not cheap. At an average of 76p/kWh for rapid chargers, charging a 64kWh battery from 10% to 80% costs around £36-£40 on a standard pay-as-you-go basis. That's before factoring in the UK's persistent VAT disparity - public charging is taxed at 20%, compared to just 5% for home charging - which adds around 9.5p per kWh to every rapid charge.
For drivers without a home charger, this isn't an occasional expense - it's their primary fuelling cost. And without a smart solution, it can start to feel like driving an EV is no cheaper than running a petrol car.
Enter Salary Sacrifice… and The Charge Scheme
The Charge Scheme changes the equation entirely. By allowing employees to pay for public EV charging directly from their gross salary - before income tax and National Insurance are deducted - The Charge Scheme delivers a saving of between 20% and 50% on every charge, depending on the employee's tax bracket.
Here's what that looks like in practice:
A basic rate taxpayer (20% income tax + 8% NI) saves approximately 28% on every charge
A higher rate taxpayer (40% income tax + 2% NI) saves approximately 42% on every charge
An additional rate taxpayer saves up to 50% on every charge
That 76p/kWh rapid charge? A higher-rate taxpayer using The Charge Scheme is effectively paying closer to 44p/kWh - bringing it in line with some of the best off-peak rates available anywhere on the network, without having to hunt for deals.
One Card, 87,000+ Charge Points
The Charge Scheme consolidates access to over 76,000 compatible chargers across the UK into a single RFID card and app - removing the need for multiple network memberships, separate accounts, and different payment methods. You find the charger, tap the card, charge, and go. The cost is deducted from your gross salary automatically.
This is a transformative tool for:
Those who live in flats and apartments, who can't install a home charger
City-based employees who rely on on-street or destination charging
Frequent long-distance drivers who regularly use the motorway rapid network
Any employee who wants to maximise the financial case for going electric
No Benefit-in-Kind Tax on Charging
Employer-provided charging through salary sacrifice currently attracts no Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) tax when structured correctly - meaning the full saving on public charging costs is yours to keep.
Combined with the low BiK rate on EVs themselves (3% in 2025/26, rising to 4% from April 2026), The Charge Scheme makes the overall cost of electric driving genuinely compelling - even for drivers without access to a home charger.
Key Takeaways
Public rapid charging averages 76p/kWh; salary sacrifice cuts this by up to 50%
Basic rate taxpayers save ~28%; higher rate taxpayers save ~42% per charge
One Charge Scheme card accesses 76,000+ chargers across the UK
No Benefit-in-Kind tax currently applies to employer-provided charging
Top Tips for a Seamless Public Charging Experience
Charging in public is simple, but a few habits will make it even smoother from day one.
Plan ahead, But Don't Overthink it.
For long journeys, use The Charge Scheme app to identify charging stops before you leave. For everyday driving, you'll rarely need to plan at all - most modern EVs have far more range than your daily mileage demands.
Charge to 80%, not 100%.
Ultra-rapid charging slows significantly above 80% as the battery management system protects cell longevity. Stopping at 80% is faster, cheaper per minute, and better for long-term battery health.
Use off-peak hours where possible.
Some networks now offer time-of-use pricing, with meaningfully lower rates during quieter periods. Early morning (before 9 am) and evening (after 8 pm) often attract the best available rates.
Keep your RFID card in your car.
Your Charge Scheme RFID card should live in the glovebox - not your wallet. Having it always in the car means you're always ready to charge without scrambling for your phone.
Don't "charge hog."
Once your session is complete, move your car promptly. Charging etiquette matters to the EV community, and many networks now levy idle fees for cars that remain plugged in after their session ends.
Know your connector type.
Most modern EVs use a CCS (Combined Charging System) connector for rapid charging and a Type 2 for slower AC charging. Check your vehicle's manual and keep a Type 2 cable in the boot for untethered chargers.
Check reliability ratings.
The Charge Scheme app and Zapmap both display user reliability ratings for individual charge points. Where you have a choice, favour chargers with higher scores - it's a two-minute check that saves a potentially wasted trip.
Key Takeaways
Plan charging stops for long trips; everyday driving rarely needs it
Always charge to 80% for optimal speed and battery health
Off-peak charging hours can reduce per-kWh costs significantly
Keep your RFID card in the glovebox - always ready, no phone required
Charge Smarter With The Charge Scheme
Public EV charging in 2026 is no longer the daunting, unpredictable experience it once was. The infrastructure is there, the technology is straightforward, and (with The Charge Scheme) the cost no longer has to be a barrier.
Whether you're topping up during a supermarket shop, grabbing 80% charge in 15 minutes on the motorway, or simply making the most of every working day without a home charger, The Charge Scheme puts you firmly in control. One card, one app, up to 50% off every charge, and access to over 76,000 charge points across the UK. Going electric was the smart choice - charging smartly is the next step!
Frequently Asked Questions About charging your EV In Public
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No. The Charge Scheme consolidates over 76,000 compatible UK chargers into a single RFID card and app -removing the need to manage multiple network accounts. One card, one app, one seamless experience across the vast majority of the UK's public charging infrastructure.
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It depends on the charger speed and your car's maximum charge rate. As a general guide:
Slow chargers (3–6kW): 8–12 hours for a full charge — ideal for overnight parking
Fast chargers (7–22kW): 2–4 hours - great for a shopping trip or working day
Rapid chargers (50kW): 35–45 minutes from 20% to 80%
Ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+): 10–20 minutes from 20% to 80%, subject to your car's charge rate
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On a standard pay-as-you-go basis, rapid and ultra-rapid chargers average around 76p/kWh in 2026, which can feel steep.
But The Charge Scheme reduces this by up to 50% via salary sacrifice, making public charging far more affordable by drawing the cost from your gross salary before tax and National Insurance are applied.
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First, try restarting the session via The Charge Scheme app or by tapping your RFID card again. If the charger remains unresponsive, most units display a helpline number for the network operator.
You can also use The Charge Scheme app to locate the next nearest compatible charger in real time. With over 116,700 chargers now on the UK network, an alternative is almost always close by.
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It depends on the charger.
Tethered chargers have a built-in cable - no kit required.
Untethered AC chargers require your own Type 2 cable, which most EVs include as standard - keep it in the boot as a matter of habit.
For DC rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, the cable is always tethered, so no cable is needed from your end.
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Yes - and access is expanding. As of early 2026, over 50% of Tesla's UK Supercharger network is open to non-Tesla EVs, covering 2,747 chargers across 465 UK locations.
You'll need a CCS-equipped vehicle (standard on most modern EVs) and the Tesla app. Non-members pay a slightly higher per-kWh rate than Tesla owners, but the network's reliability and coverage make it a valuable option on longer routes.
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For cost, early morning (before 9am) or evening (after 8pm) tends to be cheapest on networks with time-of-use pricing. For convenience, avoid the lunch-hour rush and late afternoon peaks at busy motorway service stations.
For battery health, avoid routinely charging to 100% unless you need the full range for a longer trip.
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Occasional rapid and ultra-rapid charging is completely safe and does not meaningfully accelerate battery degradation in modern EVs - battery management systems are designed to handle high-speed charging.
For best long-term health, a mix of slower top-up charging and occasional rapid charging is the ideal pattern, and stopping at 80% rather than 100% makes a meaningful difference over time.
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With The Charge Scheme, payment is handled automatically via your salary sacrifice arrangement - your RFID card or app initiates the session, and the cost is drawn from your gross salary with no out-of-pocket payment required at the charger.
For any chargers outside The Charge Scheme's network, most now accept contactless bank card or mobile payment directly at the unit.
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For everyday charging, no. With over 116,700 chargers across the UK -including 926 dedicated rapid hubs - congestion is the exception rather than the rule.
Busy periods at popular motorway stops (bank holidays, peak travel weekends) can occasionally see short waits, but this is becoming increasingly rare as network capacity expands.
Checking live availability in The Charge Scheme app before you arrive removes virtually all uncertainty.
Last updated: 05/03/2026
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