Finding Electric Car Charging Points in UK Cities

Electric cars are becoming more popular with motorists across the UK, and the number of public charging stations is increasing by the day. According to EDF Energy, there are now more than 42,000 charge point connectors in over 15,500 locations across the UK. However, with so many various locations and types of charging stations to choose from, it's understandable that some people are confused.

To help find electric car charging points in UK cities easily, electric car leasing specialists, Nationwide Vehicle Contracts, has put together a handy guide on how much it costs to charge an EV at a charge point and where to charge your EV in your city location.

This guide includes where to find EV charge points in the following popular UK cities:

How much does it cost to charge an EV at a charge point? 

How much you pay depends on the vehicle, electricity source, charging speed and even how often you use the car. Many local authorities offer a pay per session model for on-street charges. If you have a network membership, they can occasionally be free to use. Drivers might find that a pay-as-go approach is best, but regular commuters might favour a subscription service.

Using Zap-Map's public charging calculator to charge an EV to 80% at a public rapid charger costs around £7 to £10.

There are also thousands of free electric car charge points in the UK, often located in supermarkets, public car parks, shopping centres, hotels and service stations. When charging in these locations, make sure to double-check whether there are any restrictions, such as a time limit or a requirement to make a purchase in-store.

Check out our Electric Car Charging Costs guide to find out the difference in charges between home, public and work charge points and which electric cars are the cheapest to charge.

Where to charge your EV in UK cities

In the UK, there are over 15,000 charging points with a variety of charging speeds, including slow, fast and rapid:

• Slow - Typically rated up to 3kW, it is primarily used to charge at home or at work overnight. Takes between 8-10 hours to fully charge. 
• Fast - Rated at either 7kW or 22kW and are usually seen in car parks, supermarkets, and leisure centres. Takes around 3-4 hours to fully charge.
• Rapid - rated from 43kW+ and found at motorway service stations, petrol stations and some supermarkets. Takes 30-60 minutes to charge fully, but it's only compatible with EVs with a rapid-charging option.

We've listed some EV charging points located close to typical tourist locations and attractions in some of the most popular UK cities.

Fast Charge Point Close to the London Eye

Location: Concert Hall Approach, South Bank, SE1 8XU

Network / Operator: Charge Your Car

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £1.50 + £0.20/kWh

Fast Charge Point Close to Big Ben

Location: Q-Park Westminster, Great College Street, London SW1P 3RX

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x3 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £0.108/kWh; for Polar Plus subscription members only. Parking fees apply 24/7

Fast Charge Point Close to Hyde Park 

Location: Park Lane, London, W1K 7TY

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x34 Type 2 (Socket Only) 

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £0.108/kWh; for Polar Plus subscription members only. Parking fees apply

Fast Charge Point Close to Manchester Arndale

Location: Marks & Spencer-Longbridge House Manchester, 7 Market Street, Manchester, M1 1WT

Network / Operator: POD Point

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free to use, parking charges may apply

Fast Charge Point Close to Old Trafford 

Location: Marriott Manchester Salford Quays, 17-19 Trafford Road, Salford, M5 3AW

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Pay At Location 

Usage Cost: Rapids Polar Card 15p/kWh, Contactless 20p/kWh

Fast Charge Point Close to the Manchester AO Arena 

Location: RCP Parking, Angel Street, Manchester M4 1EH

Network / Operator: Recharge

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: 25p/kWh, Pay as you go, maximum stay 3 hours 

Fast Charge Point Close to Victoria Square & Birmingham City Centre

Location: Margaret Street, Birmingham, B3 3BX

Network / Operator: ESB EV-Solutions

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public 

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to the National SEA LIFE Centre Birmingham

Location: Q-Park Brindley Place, 1 Brunswick Street, B1 2JF

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x1 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £0.108/kWh; for Polar Plus subscription members only

Fast Charge Point Close to the Cadbury World

Location: Sainsbury's Selly Oak, 1 Chapel Lane, Birmingham, B29 6SJ

Network / Operator: POD Point

Number Of Stations/Bays: x8 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Cardiff Castle

Location: NCP Greyfriars Road, Greyfriars Road, Cardiff, CF10 3AD

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: £0.108/kWh; for Polar Plus subscription members only. £1.70 per hour for type 2. Parking fees apply

Fast Charge Point Close to Cardiff City Centre

Location: St. David's Shopping Centre Car Park, Hills Street, Butetown, Cardiff, CF10 2EQ

Network / Operator: BP Pulse

Number Of Stations/Bays: x4 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Inclusive; for Polar Plus subscription members only

Fast Charge Point Close to Cardiff Bay

Location: Tesco Superstore-Penarth, Terra Nova Way, Cardiff, CF64 1SA

Network / Operator: POD Point

Number Of Stations/Bays: x4 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Glasgow City Centre 

Location: Wilson Street, Glasgow, G1 1HO

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum

Location: Kelvingrove Art Galleries and Museum, Argyle St, Glasgow, G3 8AG

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Celtic Park

Location: Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, Glasgow, G40 3HY

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Edinburgh Castle

Location: Lower Car Park, Edinburgh, Robertson Close, EH1 1LT

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (7kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to the Museum of Edinburgh

Location: Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh, Horse Wynd, EH99 1SP

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Edinburgh Zoo

Location: Royal Zoological Society, 134 Corstphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS

Network / Operator: Chargeplace Scotland

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Titanic Belfast

Location: DRD Eastside Middle Path, A1 Belfast, BT5 4BG

Network / Operator: E-Car

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to St George's Market

Location: DRD Car Park on Cromac Street, Belfast, BT2 8JN

Network / Operator: E-Car

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)

Fast Charge Point Close to Belfast City Hall

Location: 23-91 Adelaide Street, Belfast, BT2 8GB

Network / Operator: E-Car

Number Of Stations/Bays: x2 Type 2 (22kW)

Public - Membership Required

Usage Cost: Free (Parking charges may apply)