An EV Owner's Guide on How to Pay for EV Charging

Electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer a novelty on British roads but a thriving force that shapes the future of transportation. According to the data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, there were 267,000 new EVs registered in 2022. This represents 16.6 per cent of market share, making EVs the second most popular car after petrol vehicles.

Despite the upward trend of EVs’ popularity in the UK, significant barriers are preventing other car owners from shifting to EVs as their means of transportation. One of the challenges for some drivers is the accessibility of charging stations, which the UK government is already addressing with EV charging point grants, EV charging infrastructure projects and other initiatives. As of 1 January 2024, there are a total of 53,677 public EV charging points in the country.

To access and pay for charging services, EV owners can either have their own charging units at home or charge through public charging infrastructures available on the road.

Private Charging

If you drive an EV, it’s nearly essential that you have access to a personal charger. While having a charging device at home is not mandatory, it will make owning an EV so much more convenient and beneficial.

Fortunately, EV charging point installation in the UK is made affordable with subsidies such as the EV charge point grant that provides up to £350 off the cost of a socket installation, whichever is lower. All you need to do is find a local EV charger installer near you and apply for the domestic charging point funding offered by the UK government. Having a nearby business install your charging device is a great idea in case you need EV charging point maintenance services in the future.

In terms of paying for charging, having your own charging station at home is the most cost-effective and simplest way to pay for EV charging. According to figures from RAC, published by The Times, charging your EV using a 7kW home charger with an Ofgem capped tariff of 5 per cent costs only 8 pence per mile. Compared to ultra-rapid charging as well as petrol and diesel, charging using your home charging station is the cheapest option to power your vehicle.

Public Charging

Using your EV on a prolonged road trip may require that you charge your vehicle through the different public charging stations en route to your destination. Here’s a short guide to using these charging stations:

How to Find EV Charging Stations?

When it comes to using public charging stations, apps are one of the most convenient ways to charge your EVs on the go. With intuitive interfaces, these apps allow you to locate nearby charging stations using maps of the UK and other countries in Europe that you may be travelling to by car.

On these maps, you can find information about the types of connectors available, charging speeds, and user reviews. With this vital information, you can avoid going to defective charging stations, saving you valuable time.

Popular apps like Zap-Map and Octopus Electroverse simplify the charging experience. They provide real-time information and user-friendly cashless payment options.

How to Use EV Charging Stations?

Once you’ve selected a suitable charging station, you should check if the unit is working and if the connector is compatible with your EV. Depending on the charging station, you may need to initiate the charging session by using a mobile app, tapping an RFID card, scanning a QR code or using a touchscreen interface on the charging station itself. Some charging stations may require you to create an account or provide payment information before starting the charging session.

While the EV is charging, you can monitor the progress of the charging session through the charging station's display, mobile app or in-car dashboard. This allows you to track the amount of energy delivered, the charging speed and the estimated time remaining until the battery is fully charged.

What Is an RFID Card for EV Charging?

Some charging networks offer RFID cards or key fobs, providing swift and secure access to charging facilities. An RFID card links to a user’s account with the charging network or service provider. It facilitates billing and payment for the energy consumed during the charging session.

By holding the RFID card near the charging station's reader, users can authorise access and start the charging process. The card is linked to the user's account with the charging network or service provider, facilitating billing and payment for the energy consumed during the charging session.

How to Get an EV Charging Card?

Having an EV charging card makes it easy and simple to access charging stations within your mobility service provider (MSP) network. To obtain an EV charging card, you need to register an account with your preferred provider. Provide the necessary personal and vehicle details. Then, request the EV charging card, which could either be a physical card or a digital code. Lastly, activate the card upon receipt by following the instructions of your MSP.

Monitor your charging usage and billing through the provider's website or mobile app, where you'll be billed for the energy consumed during each session. In some cases, you can avail yourself of a monthly subscription if you’re a frequent EV user.

Learning to access different charging stations opens up the possibilities and maximises the benefits of having an EV. With your energy-efficient car, you can travel long distances much like any petrol car you’ve had before.