Finding a public EV charger when you need one is easier than ever — if you know where to look. This guide covers the best ways to locate charging points across the UK.
The Quick Answer
Best all-in-one app: Zapmap
Best for paying across networks: Octopus Electroverse
Built into your car: Most EVs have charging maps in the sat-nav
Quick web search: Google Maps shows charging points
Best Apps for Finding EV Chargers
1. Zapmap (Recommended)
The UK's most comprehensive charging map.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chargers listed | 65,000+ UK charging points |
| Real-time status | Shows if chargers are available, in use, or broken |
| User reviews | Community reports on charger condition |
| Filters | Speed, network, connector type, cost |
| Route planning | Plan journeys with charging stops |
| Cost | Free (premium version £3.99/month) |
How to use:
Why it's best: Zapmap combines data from all UK networks with real-time user reports. If a charger is broken or blocked, you'll often see a warning before you arrive.
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2. Octopus Electroverse
Best for actually paying for charging.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Networks included | 500,000+ chargers across UK and Europe |
| Single account | One app, one payment method, multiple networks |
| Pricing | Competitive rates, sometimes cheaper than direct |
| Roaming | Works across Europe |
How to use:
Why it's useful: Instead of having 10 different network apps, Electroverse lets you access most public chargers with one account.
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3. A Better Route Planner (ABRP)
Best for journey planning.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Plan long journeys with optimal charging stops |
| Intelligence | Factors in your car's efficiency, weather, elevation |
| Accuracy | Tells you exact arrival battery % at each stop |
| Cost | Free (premium £3.99/month) |
How to use:
Why it's useful: For long trips, ABRP takes the guesswork out of charging. It knows your car's real-world range and plans accordingly.
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4. Google Maps
Quickest option if you don't want another app.
Google Maps now shows EV charging stations:
Limitations: Less detailed than Zapmap, no real-time availability, fewer filters.
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5. Your Car's Built-In Navigation
Most modern EVs have charging maps built into the sat-nav:
| Brand | System |
|---|---|
| Tesla | Supercharger network + third-party chargers |
| VW/Audi/Skoda | We Connect / myAudi |
| BMW | ConnectedDrive |
| Mercedes | MBUX |
| Hyundai/Kia | Bluelink |
Advantage: Routes automatically include charging stops based on your battery level.
Finding Chargers by Type
Rapid Chargers (50kW+)
Best apps: Zapmap, ABRP
Common locations:
Fast Chargers (7-22kW)
Best apps: Zapmap, Octopus Electroverse
Common locations:
Slow Chargers (3-7kW)
Best apps: Zapmap, Pod Point
Common locations:
Finding Free Charging
Yes, free public charging still exists:
Supermarkets:
Tip: Filter by "free" in Zapmap to find them.
Other free locations:
Tips for Finding Available Chargers
1. Check Real-Time Status
Zapmap shows whether chargers are:
2. Read Recent Reviews
User comments reveal:
3. Have a Backup Plan
Popular chargers get busy. Always identify 2-3 options in an area.
4. Check Opening Hours
Some chargers are in car parks that close overnight. Check before you travel.
5. Filter by Connector Type
Make sure the charger has your connector:
Charging Networks in the UK
| Network | Charger Count | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BP Pulse | 9,000+ | Mixed | Largest UK network |
| Pod Point | 8,000+ | Slow/Fast | Many free at Tesco |
| Tesla Supercharger | 1,500+ | Rapid | Some open to non-Tesla |
| Osprey | 1,000+ | Rapid | Contactless payment |
| Gridserve | 200+ | Ultra-rapid | Motorway focused |
| Ionity | 100+ | Ultra-rapid | 350kW capable |
| InstaVolt | 1,500+ | Rapid | 99%+ reliability |
| GeniePoint | 800+ | Mixed | Car parks, destinations |
What If There Are No Chargers Nearby?
Rural Areas
Charger coverage is improving but still patchy in rural areas. Options:
On-Street Parking Only
If you don't have a driveway:
Summary
| Need | Best Solution |
|---|---|
| Find any charger near me | Zapmap |
| Pay at multiple networks | Octopus Electroverse |
| Plan a long journey | A Better Route Planner |
| Quick search, no app | Google Maps |
| Find free charging | Zapmap (filter by free) |
| Tesla Superchargers | Tesla app or car nav |
For everyday use, Zapmap is the essential app for UK EV drivers. Download it, and you'll always know where the nearest charger is — and whether it's actually working.