7 Reasons You’ll Love Public Charging Networks in the UK

Electric vehicles (EVs) are transforming the way we drive, and public charging networks in the UK are an essential part of that change. As more people shift to electric cars, knowing where and how to charge them becomes increasingly important. With over 68,000 public charging points now available across public charging networks in the UK, you can top up your car’s battery just like filling up a petrol tank. The rapid growth in infrastructure has made it easier than ever to be an EV owner.

In this guide, we’ll explore the top 7 reasons why these public charging networks in the UK are crucial and why you’ll love using them. Whether you’re already an EV owner or thinking about making the switch, this post will help you understand the benefits of public charging networks.

For further insights on the environmental impact of EVs, check out this article on the Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles in the UK.

What are Public Charging Networks?

Public charging networks in the UK are a collection of charging stations available for electric vehicles across the country. These stations are positioned in convenient locations such as shopping centres, car parks, motorways, and public spaces. They make charging your EV easy, even when you’re far from home.

Interesting Fact:
The UK’s public charging networks have expanded by 45% in just one year (2023-2024), and the number of charging points has nearly ninefold increased since 2015 when there were only 7,000 chargers. This rapid growth ensures EV owners can find charging stations across the country more easily than ever.

Types of Public Charging Stations:

• Slow Chargers: Typically found in residential areas or workplaces, slow chargers offer a lower power output (around 3kW). They are perfect for overnight charging or long parking stays.
• Fast Chargers: These chargers provide a medium level of power (7kW to 22kW) and can charge most vehicles in a few hours. You will usually find them in shopping centres, supermarkets, and public car parks.
• Rapid Chargers: Offering the quickest charge times, rapid chargers (43kW or more) can recharge an EV in around 30 minutes. They are strategically placed along motorways and at service stations, ideal for longer trips.

Why are Public Charging Networks Important?

Public charging networks in the UK play a critical role in supporting the shift towards electric vehicles. Here are a few key reasons why they are so essential:

1. Extending Driving Range: Public charging networks allow EV drivers to travel long distances without the worry of running out of battery. With charging stations located on motorways and in urban areas, it’s easy to plan longer trips. According to Graeme Cooper, Director of Electric Vehicles at National Grid, “The rapid expansion of public charging networks in the UK is a critical step in enabling widespread EV adoption. With faster chargers and more locations, the UK is well on its way to making electric vehicles a convenient option for all drivers.”

2. Convenience: As public charging networks in the UK grow, it’s becoming more convenient to own and drive an electric vehicle. You can charge your car while shopping, dining, or even working, reducing downtime and making EV ownership more practical for everyday use.

3. Environmental Impact: A study by the Energy Saving Trust found that using public charging networks in the UK powered by renewable energy could reduce a vehicle’s lifetime carbon emissions by up to 50%, compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. This demonstrates the significant environmental benefits of electric vehicles.

For more insights on how EVs impact the environment, explore this article on the Environmental Impact of Electric Vehicles in the UK.

How to Find Public Charging Stations in the UK

Finding public charging stations is easier than ever thanks to advancements in technology and the rapid expansion of public charging networks in the UK. Here’s how you can locate charging stations wherever you are:

1. Use Mobile Apps:
Apps like Zap-Map, PlugShare, and Open Charge Map offer comprehensive maps showing where the nearest charging points are. As of July 2024, over 95% of public charging points in the UK were connected to these apps, providing real-time availability and ease of access. More than 70% of UK drivers use such apps to locate charging points within public charging networks in the UK.

For a detailed list of the best EV charging apps, check out Are These the Best EV Charging Apps in the UK?.

Types of Chargers Available in Public Charging Networks

When using public charging networks in the UK, it’s important to understand the different types of chargers available. Each type has a different charging speed, making them suitable for various situations. Here’s a breakdown of the most common chargers:

Interesting Fact:
The distribution of chargers varies by speed, with 60% of all public charging devices offering slower charging speeds (3kW to 8kW), while ultra-rapid chargers (150kW and above) make up only 8% of public charging networks in the UK. However, this segment is growing rapidly, nearly doubling in availability from 2023 to 2024.

For more insights into the growth of EV charging technology, read The Future of EV Charging in the UK.

Costs of Using Public Charging Networks

When using public charging networks in the UK, the cost of charging your electric vehicle can vary based on several factors, including the type of charger, location, and the specific charging network. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

1. Pricing Models:
A report by the UK Department for Transport suggests that typical costs for public charging range between 10p to 50p per kWh, depending on the speed of the charger and the network provider. Slow chargers tend to be the most affordable, while rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are on the higher end of the spectrum within public charging networks in the UK.

For those interested in learning more about affordable charging options, check out How to Find the Best Electric Car Lease No Deposit Deals in the UK.

Embedded Infographic: Public Charging Network Growth

To visualise the incredible growth of the UK’s public charging network over the years, here’s an infographic that compares the evolution of the number of charging points from 2015 to 2024: