London is rapidly becoming a leader in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, and with ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone) regulations tightening, more drivers are switching to electric PCO cars to save on costs and boost earnings. But there’s one key question every EV driver has—where can I charge my car in London? With thousands of charging points available, finding the best one near you can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on EV charging stations in London, covering the best networks, charging speeds, costs, and how to charge smartly. Whether you’re a private EV owner or a PCO driver looking to charge on the go, this guide has you covered.
How Many EV Charging Stations Are in London?
London currently has over 15,000 public EV charging points, making it the largest EV charging network in the UK. The number is growing rapidly as the city pushes for a greener future. By 2030, the goal is to have 40,000+ chargers to support the rising number of electric vehicles.
💡 If you’re considering switching to an electric PCO car, check out our electric PCO car hire options for hassle-free rentals with lower running costs.
Types of EV Charging Stations in London
Not all EV chargers are the same. Understanding the different types can help you plan your charging stops more efficiently.
1. Slow Chargers (AC – 3kW to 7kW)
- Best for: Overnight charging at home or long parking stays.
- Charge time: 6–12 hours (ideal for full recharges).
- Where to find them: Residential areas, workplace car parks, some supermarkets.
2. Fast Chargers (AC – 7kW to 22kW)
- Best for: Charging while shopping, working, or during a meal.
- Charge time: 2–4 hours for a full charge.
- Where to find them: Public car parks, supermarkets, shopping centres.
3. Rapid & Ultra-Rapid Chargers (DC – 50kW to 350kW)
- Best for: Quick top-ups for drivers on the go.
- Charge time: 20–45 minutes for 80% charge.
- Where to find them: Motorway service stations, petrol stations, taxi hubs.
💡 For PCO drivers, rapid chargers are the best option to minimize downtime and keep earning. If you’re using an electric vehicle, always plan your route around available rapid chargers!
Best EV Charging Networks in London
Here are some of the most reliable and widely available EV charging networks in London.
1. Tesla Supercharger
- Best for: Tesla owners (though some now allow non-Tesla vehicles).
- Locations: Central London, Westfield Shopping Centres, M25 rest areas.
- Charging Speed: 150kW–250kW (Ultra-Rapid).
- Cost: £0.50–£0.60 per kWh.
2. BP Pulse
- Best for: Affordable public charging.
- Locations: Shopping centers, business hubs, main roads.
- Charging Speed: 7kW–150kW.
- Cost: From £0.44 per kWh (subscription discounts available).
3. Shell Recharge
- Best for: High-speed urban charging.
- Locations: Shell petrol stations across London.
- Charging Speed: 50kW–175kW (Rapid & Ultra-Rapid).
- Cost: Around £0.55 per kWh.
4. Ubitricity (Street Lamp Chargers)
- Best for: Charging near home (no driveway needed).
- Locations: Residential streets across London.
- Charging Speed: 3kW–5kW (Slow).
- Cost: ~£0.24 per kWh (one of the cheapest options).
5. Ionity
- Best for: Ultra-fast motorway charging.
- Locations: M25 service stations, major A-road rest stops.
- Charging Speed: Up to 350kW.
- Cost: Around £0.69 per kWh.
How Much Does EV Charging Cost in London?
Charging costs vary depending on the network, charger speed, and location. Here’s a general cost breakdown:
| Charger Type | Average Cost (per kWh) | Full Charge Cost (50kWh EV) |
| Slow (3-7kW) | £0.24 – £0.30 | £12 – £15 |
| Fast (7-22kW) | £0.30 – £0.45 | £15 – £22.50 |
| Rapid (50-150kW) | £0.45 – £0.60 | £22.50 – £30 |
| Ultra-Rapid (150kW+) | £0.60 – £0.70 | £30 – £35 |
💡 If you drive a PCO car, charging at home overnight or using cheaper networks like Ubitricity can help cut costs significantly.
How to Find EV Charging Stations in London
The best way to locate an EV charging station is to use charging apps that show live availability, pricing, and compatibility. Here are the best apps for finding charging points:
- Zap-Map: Covers all charging networks in the UK with live status updates.
- PlugShare: Great for finding both public and private charging stations.
- Google Maps: Now includes EV charger locations with user reviews.
- Shell Recharge & BP Pulse Apps: Best for checking charger availability at their stations.
💡 If you’re driving an electric vehicle, always check the app before heading to a charging station to avoid wasting time on an occupied charger.
Tips for Efficient EV Charging in London
- Plan Ahead: Always check charging station availability before your trip.
- Charge During Off-Peak Hours: Some networks offer lower rates at night.
- Use Fast & Rapid Chargers for Quick Top-Ups: Ideal for PCO drivers who need to stay on the road.
- Consider Home Charging: If you have a driveway, installing a home charger is the cheapest long-term option.
- Get a Charging Subscription: BP Pulse, Shell Recharge, and other networks offer membership plans for lower rates.
Final Thoughts
London’s EV infrastructure is expanding rapidly, making it easier than ever for PCO drivers and private owners to keep their cars charged. With over 15,000 public chargers and more being installed, switching to an electric PCO vehicle is becoming a smarter choice for drivers who want lower fuel costs, ULEZ exemption, and higher ride-hailing earnings.
💡 Thinking of going electric? Check out our electric PCO car hire options to get on the road with a fully licensed and insured EV.
Key Takeaways
- London has 15,000+ EV charging stations, with a goal of 40,000 by 2030.
- The best networks include Tesla Supercharger, BP Pulse, Shell Recharge, Ubitricity, and Ionity.
- Rapid chargers (50kW+) are best for PCO drivers who need quick top-ups.
- Costs range from £0.24 to £0.70 per kWh, depending on speed and network.
- Use Zap-Map, PlugShare, and Google Maps to find nearby chargers.
- Switching to an electric PCO vehicle can save you money on fuel and ULEZ charges.
London is moving towards a greener future, and now is the best time to switch to an EV. Whether you’re a private driver or a PCO operator, having access to reliable charging stations will keep you moving efficiently.
