ChargePlace Scotland
Scottish EV drivers wanting almost-free public charging
Speeds: Slow (3-7kW), Fast (22kW), Rapid (50kW)
Coverage: Scotland — nationwide coverage including Highlands and Islands
Overview
ChargePlace Scotland is the Scottish Government-funded public charging network, and it is extraordinary value. Of the 4,000+ chargepoints across Scotland, approximately 90% are completely free to use. You pay a one-off £12 fee for an RFID card and then enjoy free charging at the vast majority of locations. The network covers every part of Scotland including the Highlands and Islands, making EV ownership in Scotland uniquely affordable. The mix includes slow (7kW), fast (22kW), and rapid (50kW) chargers. While some councils have started introducing charges at their chargers, the majority remain free. For anyone living in or regularly visiting Scotland, the ChargePlace Scotland card is an absolute no-brainer. There is a risk that more chargers will transition to paid in the coming years, but for now it remains one of the best deals in UK EV charging.
Pros
Approximately 90% of chargers are completely free
Extensive Scottish coverage including Highlands and Islands
One-off £12 RFID card fee — no monthly cost
Over 4,000 chargepoints
Government-backed network
Cons
Scotland only — no coverage elsewhere in UK
Free chargers may transition to paid in future
Many chargers are slow (7kW)
Some reliability issues at remote locations
No contactless payment
Best For
Scottish EV drivers wanting almost-free public charging. Rated 4.3/5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Approximately 90% of ChargePlace Scotland chargers are free. Some council areas have introduced charges, but the vast majority remain free. You pay a one-off £12 RFID card fee.
Yes. Anyone can order a ChargePlace Scotland RFID card for £12. There is no residency requirement. It is worth getting one even for occasional visits to Scotland.
Some councils have started charging, so the 100% free model is slowly changing. However, the majority of chargers are expected to remain free or very cheap in the near term.
Some ChargePlace Scotland chargers are accessible via Electroverse, but not all. For the best access, especially to free chargers, the dedicated ChargePlace Scotland RFID card is recommended.