Compare UK EV Charging Cards
Find the right card to save money on public charging
An EV charging card gives you access to multiple charging networks with one card, one app, one bill. Instead of juggling separate accounts for every network, tap a single RFID card or open one app. Compare the top UK cards below to find the best deal for how you charge.
Charging Cards at a Glance
Side-by-side comparison of the six main UK EV charging cards.
| Card | Monthly Fee | Networks | RFID | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Octopus Electroverse | Free | 950+ | ✓ | Review → | |
| Zapmap / Zap-Pay | Free / £2.99 Premium | 40+ | ✓ | Review → | |
| OVO Charge | Free / £2 / £8 | 600+ | ✓ | Review → | |
| Shell Recharge | Free / £9.99 sub | 300+ | ✓ | Review → | |
| BP Pulse | £7.85/mo | 1 (BP Pulse) | ✓ | Review → | |
| Paua | From £3/card/mo | 45+ | ✓ | Review → |
How Charging Cards Work
One card, hundreds of networks. Here is how it works in three simple steps.
Get a Free Card
Sign up with a provider like Electroverse or Zapmap. They post you a free RFID card (or you use their app).
Tap & Charge
At any compatible charger, tap your card on the reader. The charger verifies your account and starts charging your car.
One Simple Bill
All your charging sessions across all networks appear on one bill. No more juggling multiple accounts and receipts.
Popular UK Charging Networks
The major networks you will find across the UK, with pricing and coverage info.
BP Pulse
Drivers wanting the widest coverage with subscription savings
~77p/kWh contactlessInstaVolt
Drivers who can charge off-peak for the best value
70-89p/kWhPod Point
Budget-conscious drivers who can top up while shopping
Many free (Tesco, Lidl), paid units from 40p/kWhIONITY
Long-distance drivers wanting the fastest charging speeds
79p/kWhTesla Supercharger
All EV drivers wanting the most reliable and competitive ultra-rapid charging
47-67p/kWhGRIDSERVE
Drivers wanting a premium, sustainable charging experience
DC 82-89p/kWh, AC 59p/kWhEV Charging Guides
Practical guides to help you save money and charge smarter.
EV Charging for Beginners
Everything you need to know to start charging
Cheapest EV Charging in the UK
Network-by-network price breakdown and money-saving tips
Free EV Charging in the UK
Every way to charge your EV for free
Do I Need an EV Charging Card?
A practical decision guide
PAYG vs Subscription EV Charging
When subscriptions actually save you money
RFID vs Contactless vs App
EV charging payment methods compared
Frequently Asked Questions
An EV charging card is an RFID card that gives you access to multiple public charging networks with a single account. Instead of downloading separate apps for every network, you tap one card to start charging. Providers like Electroverse and Zapmap offer cards that work across hundreds of UK networks.
Most public chargers accept contactless bank cards, but you will pay the highest PAYG rate. A charging card can save money through roaming discounts or subscriptions, and works at chargers that do not have contactless readers. Free cards like Electroverse cost nothing to have as a backup.
Octopus Electroverse is widely considered the best free EV charging card. It covers 950+ networks with over 1 million chargepoints, costs nothing, and sends you a free RFID card. Octopus Energy customers also get 5-8% off every session.
Public EV charging in the UK ranges from free (Tesco/Lidl Pod Points, ChargePlace Scotland) to about 89p per kWh at peak rapid chargers. Average rapid charging costs 60-79p per kWh. With subscriptions, the cheapest rapid rate is ESB Energy at 38p/kWh.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Read our beginner's guide to EV charging — covers everything from connectors to payment methods.
Beginner's Guide →