Electric Car UK Charging Points

We're currently trying to build up a comprehensive list of all the electric car battery charging points across the UK. 
 
 EDF Elecktrobay charging an electric car
 

How to Charge an Electric Car....

In most cases electric vehicles can be charged from a standard electric socket, so businesses or individuals recharge them at their own premises and homes. 
 
However, there is also a growing network of public and private electric car charging points.  At the moment, many public charging points are free.  This will change but it will most likely move towards the charging network model.  There are already a number of charging networks accompanied by electric car charging schemes, where for a small subscription to the charging scheme, you get access to a network of charging points, a range of perks (charging cable, free parking in certain areas, points etc) but you do pay for the electricity you use. At the moment, these networks only really offer comprehensive coverage in London but this is changing (see our page on these electric car charging schemes) due to the Governments Plugged-in-Places scheme.
 
Wouldn't it be great if electricity points were as common as petrol stations?  Well, in major cities in the UK this is the way it is heading.
 

Electric Car Charging Posts

The electric car charging post market is rapidly developing with new companies and products coming to the market almost every few months.  The basic technology has become established - a secure post with one socket, accessed by an electronic tag.  However, variations on this are springing up.  Charging posts for 2 cars, quick charging, different outputs, electronic displays, consumption monitoring software etc. 

As with the electric car charging points we will try to keep this up to date but if you think we've missed something please email us here .

Elecktrobay electric car charging pointElectromotive - By far the most common public charging points are 'Elektrobays'.  They are basically shoulder high posts with a plug socket mounted near the top.  The bays have a yellow coiled power lead which will supply 240 volts AC at 13 amps.  This is compatible with most electric vehicles. 
 
They are suitable for installation indoors or out in the street and are supplied by a company called Elektromotive.  The socket has a cover which is unlocked and opened by an RFID (radio-frequency identification) tag.  This will be kept somewhere near the charging bay usually by a car park attendent or by shopping centre facilities management etc.  In return for the tag you may be required to show some form of ID and / or leave a deposit.
 
 
POD pointPOD Point - Hot on their heels however is the new 'POD point'.  These are compatible with existing electric car charging tags.  
 
You swipe the tag, open the socket, plug in and charge.  You use your own cable for these charging points.
 
All POD points are wirelessly connected to a central communications network so usage and availability is monitored in real time and you have a linked online account.
 
Although focussed in London, POD points are available throughout the UK notably in Ireland and Scotland.
 
 

 

 

Chargemaster FastCharge Electric Car charging postChargemaster - Also on the UK scene is Chargemaster with their range of charging posts: fastcharge (twice the electric car charging speed of a standard post); homecharge (easy home driveway installation and automatically uses low-cost night-time electricity tariffs ); combicharge (capacity to charge at both 3kw (13A) and 7kw (32A); and dualcharge (can charge two electric cars simultaneously).  The company is also getting involved in electric car charging schemes.

 

APT evolt electric car charging postAPT - APT Technologies have also entered the electric car charging market with their evolt on-street chargers. Like all charging posts they are designed against potential vandalism and are fully compliant with all electrical security regulations.  

Easy to use and equipped with a simple secure access system.  There is the single charge, dual charge (for 2 electric cars to charge simultaneously) and the evolt Xpress for faster charging. 

 

EV Charging CentreCharging Centre - Charging Solutions Ltd.  Another new entry to the electric car charging market.  They claim this charging system is future proof as it can incorporate all types of EV sockets and modular design allows easy assembly / disassembly.  An LED ring lights up to display the status of the chargingcentre and imilar to all the other offerings it can be fitted with various control, access, or payment systems.  The charging system does come with flexible mounting - a pole, wall bracket or surface mounting which should be good for different users . Available in standard Green but also Blue, Silver, Grey, Yellow or Orange.

 

Ecotricity Electric Car Charging PointEcotricity - ChargePoint Services Ltd and Ecotricity.  This partnership is currently rolling out new electric car charging posts with a distinctive green triangle and solar panel.  The hype is this is a free charging point powered by renewable energy.  See our ecotricity blog article for more details.  Photo and specification to come...
 

 

 

 

UK Electric Car Charging Points

 
Below we have details of some of the major locations:
 

England

Attleborough - Sherbourne House, 8 Norwich Road, Attleborough, Norfolk, NR17 2JX. 
This privately run country guest house has recently installed a three-way electric charging point for guests. This provides 13A domestic, 16A Industrial and 32A Industrial connections. 01953 454 363
Berwich upon Tweed - Berwick Garden Centre, Berwick-upon-Tweed, TD15 2NS. Public charging point.  A sign for the garden centre is clearly visible from the middle of three roundabouts on the A1 Berwick by-pass. Part of the Government's Plugged-in-Places Scheme.
Birmingham - Margaret Street, Birmingham.  2 on-street charging posts located at the end of Margaret Street close to Edmund Street.  All the Birmingham charging points are part of the CABLED project which seeks to implement and promote low carbon technology including electric vehicles in Birmingham and Coventry.  There is an associated CABLED charging scheme. 
Birmingham - Bullring Moor Street Car Park, Park Street, Birmingham. The charging points are housed in a specially designed parking bay on level one of the Bullring Moor Street Car Park offering easy access to the centre via the Selfridges bridge link. 
Birmingham - Aston Street, Aston Street, Birmingham. 2 charging points outside outside the Aston Hotel and Conference Centre at the Woodcock Street end of Aston Street.
Birmingham - Temple Row, Temple Row, Birmingham. 2 on-street points on Temple Row in the heart of Birmingham. Outside Allied Irish bank between Needless Alley and Temple Street.
Birmingham - Brindley Place, 2 Brunswick Street, Birmingham.  4 charging points of the 5th floor of the Brindley Place canalside car park.
Bristol - Cabot Circus, Bond Street, Bristol, BS2 9AB.  6 public charging bays on the 1st and 2nd floors of the car park.
Bristol - The Mall, Cribbs Causeway, Bristol, BS36 5DG.  2 public charging bays in Underground Car Park 'K'.
Bromley - Glades Shopping Centre, Bromley High Street, Kent - 2 charging bays outside the centre.
Cambridge - Queen Anne Terrace Car Park, Gonville Place, next to Parker's Piece, Cambridge, CB1 1ND –  The charging point is situated on level three (ground floor).  Charging is free but you must be a registered user of the Cambridge Electric Car Charging Scheme.  If you have a question about the electric charging facilities in the Cambridge car parks please contact Julie Edwards on carparks@cambridge.gov.uk or telephone 01223 458515.
Coventry - Croft Road, Coventry.  3 on-street charging points. The points are on the same side of the road as Ikea, just after the bus stops.  All the Coventry charging points are part of the CABLED project which seeks to implement and promote low carbon technology including electric vehicles in Birmingham and Coventry.  There is an associated CABLED charging scheme
Coventry - Belgrade Plaza Car Park, Ryley Street, Coventry.  Access to the car park is via a slip road from Junction 9 of the ring road.  Charging points are located on the ground floor, next to the pedestrian exit and family friendly parking bays.
Coventry - Salt Lane Car Park, Greyfriars Street, Coventry. 3 charging points on the left hand side as you enter the car park.
Coventry - Little Park Street, Little Park Street, Coventry. 3 on-street charging points outside RBS bank.
Coventry - Rail Station, Station Square, Coventry.  2 charge points behind the bike racks in the station square car park.
Coventry - Cox Street Car Park, Cox Street, Coventry.  3 points in Cox Street Car Park. Points are in the car park at the corner of Fairfax Street and Cox St. 
Dudley - Merry Hill Centre, Best Buy, Unit B Phase 1, Merry Hill Centre, Brierley Hill, Dudley, DY5 1SY.  2 free electric car charging points provided by Best Buy.  Customer Service: 0800 380 00 00
Gateshead - Metro Centre, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, NE11 9YG - 2 public charging bays in the yellow multistorey, level 3.  Charging is free with an access key available from Yellow Customer Service Desk (not the Red).  £20 returnable deposit and photo ID required.  There is also a 50kw quick charger in the Green Car Park with an additional 2 standard charging points with an access card available from the Green Customer Service desk.  The charging points are also part of the Chargeyourcar Scheme.  If you are a member you can just access the points directly.
Langdale - Langdale Hotel and Spa, Langdale Estate, Great Langdale, Nr Ambleside, Cumbria, LA22 9JD.  Two electric charging points 13 & 32 amp supplied via Zero Carbon World just installed.  They are opposite the main hotel reception.  Visit www.langdale.co.uk for more info.
Laindon - Ford Motor Company, Dunton Technical Centre,Laindon, Essex, SS15 6EE. Four 16A industrial external electric cahrging points located in the pool car car park.  For the use of employees and business visitors only.  01268 403271
Leicester - High Cross Shopping Centre.  Several public charging bays spread throughout the multi-storey carpark.  Contact the management suite, Level 3, Shires Lane for details.
 
London charging points - 150+locations:
  • Abingdon Car Park - Westminster Council, Great College Street, SW1 1XX.  Three public electric charging points located outside.  020 7222 8621
  • Aldersgate Street NCP, 158-170 Aldersgate Street, EC1A 4HY.  2 electric car charging points.  Located on Level 1 of the car park.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Arthur Court NCP - Queensway, W2 5HL.  2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Bernard Street NCP, 21 Bernard Street, WC1N 1LN.   1 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Berners Street NCP, 45-47 Berners Street, W1T 3NE.  2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Bloomsbury Square Car Park, Bloomsbury Square, Camden, WC1A 2RL. 3 charging bays ,16A industrial outlet.  Car park open 24/7 with half price parking for EVs.  020 7405 7412. 
  • Bowling Green Lane NCP, 1 Bowling Green Lane, EC1R 0BD.  4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Brewer Street NCP, 2 Lexington Street, W1F 0LA. 4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Britannia Leisure Centre, Hyde Road, N1 5JU. 2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Broadwick Car Park - Dufours Place, Westminster, W1F 7SJ. 3 public charging bays in the car park provided by Westminster Council.  020 7734 8387
  • Cadogan Place NCP, Cadogan Place, SW1X 9SA.  2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Camden Road Sainsburys, 17-21 Camden Road, NW1 9LJ.  2 publically available electric car charging points.  Charges may apply.
  • Canary Wharf - Waitrose, Canada Place, E14 5EW - 4 free charging bays, on level 3 under the store.  020 7719 0300
  • Carrington Street NCP, Carrington Street, W1J 7AF.  2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Church Street Car Park - Penfold Street, NW8 8BG.  One electric car charging point.  020 7723 5148
  • Cleveland Street NCP, 34-42 Cleveland Street, W1 4JY.  2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Crawford Street NCP, 34A Crawford Street, W1H 1JR. 2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Finsbury Square NCP, Finsbury Square, EC2A 1AD. 4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Great Eastern Street NCP, Great Eastern Street, EC2A 3ER. 2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Greenwich - Sainsbury's, 55 Bugsby Way, SE10 0QJ. One external 16A industrial electric vehicle charging point at garage.  3 regular charging points at store - their have been problems so advised to call ahead.  020 8305 2519
  • Grosvenor Hill, 21 Grosvenor Hill, W1K 3QQ. 2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Hammersmith Hospital - Du Cane Road, W12 0HS.  Two 13A domestic charging points.  01273 704775
  • Highbury Crescent - Islington Council, N5 1RD.  One external 13A domestic electric car charging point.  020 7527 1338
  • Hilton Hotel NCP, 22 Park Lane W1K 1BE. 2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Holburn NCP, Museum Street, WC1A 1JP.  4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Homerton Hospital Car Park, Homerton Row, E9 6SR. 2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Knightsbridge Car Park - Westminster Council, Kinnerton Street, SW1X 8JU.  Two 16A Industrial charging point.  0800 243 348
  • London Wall Car Park - City of London Corporation, 23 London Wall, EC2V 5DY. One public charging point.  020 7332 1548
  • Marylebone NCP, 170 Marylebone Road, NW1 5AR.  4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Pavillion Road NCP, 28 Pavillion Road, SW1X 0HH. 2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Pimlico Car Park - Westminster Council, Cumberland Street, SW1V 4LR.  One 16A Industrial charging point. 0800 243 348
  • Portman Square NCP, Gloucester Place, W1H 7BG.  4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Saffron Hill NCP, St Cross Street - EC1N 8XA - free public electric car charging point in the car park. 0845 050 7080.  2 electric car charging points also available as part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Sherwood Court NCP, Shouldham Street, W1H 5FE.  2 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Snowsfield NCP, Kipling Street, SE1 3RU.  4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Spencer Street - Westminster Council, SW1E 6AA.  Two 13A domestic charging points located outside.  01273 704 775
  • St John's Wood Car Park - Kingsmill Terrace. NW8 6AA.  One external 16A industrial electric vehicle charging point.  020 7722 1404
  • Trafalgar Car Park - Westminster Council, Spring Garden, SW1A 2BN.  One 16A charging point located outside.  020 7402 5916
  • Tufnell Park Road - Islington Council, 2-4 Tufnell Park Road.  N7 0QA.  One external 13A domestic electric car charging point.  020 7527 1338.
  • Victoria NCP, Semley Place, SW1W 9QL.  4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Wandsworth - Wandle Recreation Centre, Garratt Lane, SW18 4DN.  One 13A domestic charging point located outside the centre.  01273 704775
  • Water Gardens NCP, Burwood Place, W2 2HN. 4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • Whittington Hospital, Magdala Avenue, N19 5NF.  4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access. 
  • Wilton Street - Westminster Council, SW1X 7AF.  Two 16A Industrial charging points.  01273 704 775
  • Young Street NCP, 19-27 Young Street, W8 5EH.  4 electric car charging points.  Part of the Source London Scheme.  Membership required for access.
  • more to come...........
Manchester - various due to come online starting Oct 2011 as part of a project run by the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) to set up a netwok of charging points.
Milton Keynes - Andreas Schroeer, 63 Church Green Road, Bletchley, MK3 6BY.  16A Industrial electric charging point.  07707 237070
Murton - Dalton Park, Dalton Park, off the B1285 Church Street, Murton, SR7 9HU.  Situated just off the A19, 20 minutes south of Newcastle and 30 minutes north of Middlesbrough.  One 50kw Rapid Charger funded by the North East's plugged in places programme Charge your Car.
Norwich - Chapelfield Shopping Centre, St Stephens Street, Norwich. 2 free public charge points.
Nottingham - Victoria Centre Car Park, North of Nottingham City Centre accessible via the A60.  Victoria Centre has two designated electric car charging bays.  These can be found on level 2 of the White Zone Car Park.  These bays are free to use, you just pay your parking charges!  Call the car park office on 0115 912 1229 for more information.
Portsmouth - Waratah Lodge Bed & Breakfast, 116 Havant Road, Hayling Island, Hampshire.  Private domestic supply, available for charging.  Nominal cost contact owner for arrangements.  Clive Jolley 023 9246 708
**Rainham - (Centre for Engineering and Manufacutring Excellence (CEME), Marsh Way, Rainham, Essex, RM13 8EU.  Publically available eTap charging point.  This combines 45 solar panels and 6 evolt electric car chargers with a pay by phone operating system.  **To open on the 6th July 2011.
Ramsey - Tesco Supermarket, nr Hungtindon, Cambridgeshire. 2 charging points.  Interestingly, this is one of two new zero carbon Tesco stores.  Renewable energy is produced onsite and therefore if you charge your EV here it is properly 'green'.
Richmond 
Sheffield - Meadowhall Shopping Centre
Solihull - Church Hill Car Park, Solihull , B91 3QS.  Charge point location in the Pay and Display Car Park.  Normal car parking charges apply, electricity is free however. The charge point is operated by Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council. A Chargemaster card is required to access the point. Leads are not provided you must have your own charging cable. Contact Solihull MBC, on 0121 704 8000 for more information.
Southampton - Ordnance Survey, Romsey Road, Southampton - 2 charge points available to business customers of OS only.  Contact Stephanie Middle 023 8079 2544
Stoke on Trent - Potteries Shopping Centre, city centre Stock on Trent, Straffordshire - 2 charging bays (bays 119 and 120) located in the multi-storey car park at level 1.
Sutton, Surrey - various
Thurrock - Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, Essex - 2 charging bays located in car park 10, on the right just inside the centre entrance on the ground floor. Electronic keys and cables available from Shopmobility office opposite.
Uxbridge - The Chimes Shopping Centre, Car Park, High Street, Greater London, Uxbridge UB8. Charging points available in the car park by the late payment bays. Charging is free just go to the information desk to access the charging points.  The points are also part of the Source London network. If you're a memebr you can just pay for parking and access the points with your tag.
Watford - Harlequin Shopping Centre, Watford, Hertfordshire - 2 charging points located in the Queens car park on level one.  ID and a £20 deposit required.
Winchester - South Winchester Park and Ride, near Bushfield roundabout, off Junction 11 of the M3.  5 free charging points located in the park and ride.  Operated by Hampshire County Council.  In the future it is hoped there will be a network of electric charging points around Winchester and elsewhere in Hampshire.  Electric vehicle owners also currently benefit from a 75% discount on car park season tickets in Winchester.
Woking

Ireland

Dublin -  Several POD points coming soon.....
Dublin - Ferry Sailings, Dublin to Holyhead route.  Irish Ferries are now offering electric car charging points on 2 of their routes.  There is a dedicated charging area onboard the 'Ulysses' and 'Oscar Wilde'.  Mode 3 fast charging is available if you have the required connector.  These charging points are currently free to use for ferry passengers. 
Rosslare - Ferry Sailings, Rosslare to Cherbourg / Roscoff route.  Irish Ferries are now offering electric car charging points on 2 of their routes.  There is a dedicated charging area onboard the 'Ulysses' and 'Oscar Wilde'.  Mode 3 fast charging is available if you have the required connector.  These charging points are currently free to use for ferry passengers. Importantly, this route means you can now more easily travel between Britain and the continent (France) with your electric vehicle or hybrid car.
  
 

Northern Ireland

Belfast - Hurst Nissan Centre, Hurst Auto Complex, 62 Boucher Road Balmoral, Belfast, County Antrim, BT12 6LR.  POD point coming soon....

Belfast Port -  Ferry Sailings, Belfast to Stranraer route, Stena Line.  Stena Line now offer charging points onboard their ships on the Belfast-Stranraer route.  Free Charging points are available onboard for passengers travelling with electric and hybrid vehicles.  Simply advise a crew member as you drive onto the ship and Stena Line staff will ensure you are able to access this during your crossing so you are ready to drive off – fully charged!  Points are available on the Stena Caledonia, Stena Navigator, and Stena HSS Voyager.
 

Scotland

A9 Corridor - 4 POD points between Perth and Inverness - details pending.......
Aberdeen - Union Square Shopping Mall Car Park, Union Square, Guild Square, Aberdeen, AB11 5RG.  Public charging points located on level 1 of the multi-storey car park.  Outlet Type - 10 x 13A domestic.  For more details and directions. 
Dumfries - Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary, Bankend Road, Dumfries, DG1 4TG. Swinton Place, Straiton, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9FB. 
Edinburgh - Dynamic Earth, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AS. Dynamic Earth is a science / education centre and public attraction.  There are currently 2 free electric car charging points available in the public car park by the centre.  There are two parking bays with 13A and 32A charging points.  Unfortunately, as a public car park the bays are not reserved and may be used by all for parking so are not always available just for electric cars.
Edinburgh - Straiton. Alex F Noble and Son, Swinton Place, Straiton, Loanhead, Edinburgh, EH20 9FB.  POD point electric car charging point.
Edinburgh Airport - EH12 9DN. POD point.  Waiting on more details.... 
Glasgow - St Enochs Shopping Centre, centre of Glasgow - 4 free public charging bays (Elecktrobays) on the 2nd floor of the centre car park for electric bikes and cars.
Glasgow - Braehead Shopping Centre, Junction 26 Eastbound, M8, Glasgow - free public charging bays in the car park for electric bikes and cars. You need photo ID and have to pick up keys at the shopmobility stand to access the bays.
Glasgow Airport - PA3 2SW.  POD point.  Waiting on more details....
Inverness - POD Point.  Waiting on more details....
Orkney Islands - Orkney Island Council, School Place, Kirkwall, KW15 1NY.  POD point electric car charging point.
Perth - POD Point.  Waiting on more details....
Stranraer Port -  Ferry Sailings, Stranraer to Belfast route, Stena Line.  As above, Stena Line now offer charging points onboard their ships on the Stranraer-Belfast route.  Free Charging points are available onboard for passengers travelling with electric and hybrid vehicles.  Simply advise a crew member as you drive onto the ship. 
Western Isles - Galson Trust Urras Office. Buth Lisa, Habost, Ness, Isle of Lewis, HS2 0TG. POD point electric car charging point.
Wick - Ackergill Tower, by Wick, Caithness, Scotland, KW1 4RG.  Two electric charging points 13 & 32 amp supplied via Zero Carbon World.  This property is a 15th century Scottish Castle with 27 bedrooms available for private celebrations.  The charging points may be restricted to guests only - visit www.ackergilltower.co.uk for more info.  At the moment, Ackergill is the most northerly celectric car charging point in the UK.
 

Wales

Cardiff - 10 The Green, Radyr, Cardiff, South Glamorgan, CF15 8BR.  Public charge point provided by Dan Kitchner.  One 13A domestic outlet, 5 mins walk from railway station.  Please phone ahead to check availability 07787471009.
Ebbw Vale - Electric vehicle charging for both bikes and cars in a commercial building development.  Should be publically available.  To open Oct / Nov 2011.  Exact location details to follow...
Holyhead - Ferry Sailings, Holyhead to Dublin route.  Irish Ferries are now offering electric car charging points on 2 of their routes.  There is a dedicated charging area onboard the 'Ulysses' and 'Oscar Wilde'.  Mode 3 fast charging is available if you have the required connector.  These charging points are currently free to use for ferry passengers. 

This is a work in progress, check back soon for updates or email us here if you have information on electric vehicles charging points. 

If there aren't any elecktrobays in your neck of the woods you can still always plug in and charge up at an ordinary socket wherever you find one.........