Top 10: charging networks in the UK
Charging networks are increasing in size, but drivers are still in need of education. How do they use chargers? What will it cost them? Where can they find them?
The shift from fossil fuels to electric is supported majorly by the impact that companies can have, by creating a network of chargers across the UK for companies to use without compromise.
Supported by data from Zapmap, here are 10 of the leading charging network providers in the UK and how their networks have expanded over time.
10. Swarco E.connect
Swarco E.connect is a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging points that is operated by Swarco. The network is available in the UK and Europe, and it currently consists of over 10,000 charging points. Swarco E.connect chargers are available at a variety of locations, including public car parks, supermarkets, and motorway service stations. The network offers a variety of charging speeds, from slow to rapid. Swarco E.connect chargers can be used by all EV drivers, regardless of the make or model of their vehicle.
9. Ubitricity
Ubitricity is a UK-based company formed as part of the Shell Group, which specialises in the development and installation of EV charging points. Founded in 2009, the company has since installed over 10,000 of them across the country and its network continues to grow to offer unintrusive charging options built into lamp posts, making them discreet and keeping them out of sight to maximise space and aesthetics.
8. IONITY
IONITY’s high-power EV charger network spans the whole of Europe. The company was founded as a joint venture in 2017 by BMW Group, Daimler AG, Ford, and Volkswagen Group. Its chargers are capable of delivering 350kWh, making them faster to charge. In just 10 minutes, IONITY users can gain an extra 100 miles.
7. NewMotion
Acquired by Shell in 2021, Newmotion is a Dutch company that provides charging solutions for electric vehicles. The company was founded in 2009 and has since installed over 100,000 charging points in Europe. Newmotion offers a variety of charging solutions for businesses, governments, and individuals.
6. GRIDSERVE Electric Highway
GRIDSERVE Electric Highway is a network of high-powered EV charging stations in the United Kingdom. The network was founded in 2017 and currently consists of over 170 charging stations, with plans to expand to over 500 stations by 2025. GRIDSERVE Electric Highway chargers are capable of delivering up to 150 kW of power, which can add up to 100 miles of range to an EV in just 20 minutes.
GRIDSERVE is going above and beyond charging to provide sustainably sourced energy to its chargers and educate its leasing clients on the benefits of electrification—not to mention development pioneering EV forecourts.
5. Shell Recharge
The homegrown solution to Shell’s electrification and decarbonisation, the Shell Recharge network is available across the UK, as well as Europe and North America. Currently, this network consists of more than 60,000 charge points available at a variety of locations, including public car parks, supermarkets, and motorway service stations. Recharge offers a variety of charging speeds and prides itself on convenience and security.
4. Osprey
Osprey is a UK-based company that operates a network of rapid electric vehicle charging points. The company was founded in 2017 and currently has more than 500 charging points across the UK.
Osprey’s chargers are available at a variety of locations, including motorway service stations, retail parks, and workplaces. Osprey chargers are convenient and reliable for charging electric cars.
3. Pod Point
The company was founded in 2009 and has since installed over 137,000 charging points in total across the UK—that includes public and private applications. Pod Point's chargers are unique in that they are designed to be easy to install and use, making them a popular choice for both businesses and individuals. The company also offers a variety of charging solutions for businesses and local authorities. When it comes to public charging, the company build more than 8,200.
2. MFG EV Power
MFG EV Power is a network of electric vehicle charging points operated by Motor Fuel Group (MFG). MFG is the largest independent forecourt operator in the UK, and its charging network is one of the largest in the country. MFG EV Power chargers are available at a variety of locations, including service stations, motorway service areas, and retail parks.
MFG EV Power chargers are available to all EV owners without subscription or connection charge. Drivers can pay for charging using Zap-Pay, contactless payment, or the MFG app. MFG EV Power is committed to supporting the UK's transition to electric vehicles, and the company is investing £400m in EV infrastructure by 2030.
1. InstaVolt
Founded in 2016, the company currently has over 1,100 charging points across the UK. InstaVolt's chargers are available at a variety of locations, along the UK’s major M and A roads, including retail parks and food and beverage locations such as Costa Coffee and McDonald’s Restaurants.
