How to Charge Your Electric Car in Public: 2026 Guide

Image source: Shutterstock

Key Insights

• The Charge Scheme by The Electric Car Scheme enables drivers to salary sacrifice public charging costs, saving 20-50% across all major UK charging networks with a single card solution
• UK's 2026 public charging network has grown to 87,000+ charge points (up from 74,611 in early 2025), with ultra-rapid chargers now comprising 45% of new installations
• Public charging costs range from 30-75p per kWh depending on speed, but The Charge Scheme reduces these costs to 15-37.5p per kWh through pre-tax salary deductions
• Electric car salary sacrifice schemes from The Electric Car Scheme include charging solutions, making EV ownership without home charging not only viable but cost-effective

Electric cars are now a familiar sight on UK roads, but for many drivers, public charging still raises questions. How much does it cost? Where do you find chargers? And can it really work if you don’t have a driveway?

The good news is that public charging in 2026 is simpler, more reliable, and more affordable than ever - especially when combined with salary sacrifice. Whether you’re new to electric driving or looking to make public charging work better for you, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from charger types and costs to smart ways to save money every time you plug in!

Public Charging Just Got Up To 50% Cheaper!

Public charging has come a long way - and in 2026, it’s no longer the costly compromise it once seemed. With a rapidly expanding UK charging network and smarter ways to pay, charging your electric car in public can now be simple, reliable, and surprisingly affordable.

The UK now has 87,000+ public charge points, covering everything from on-street residential chargers to ultra-rapid hubs at motorway services. That level of coverage means most drivers are never far from a charger, whether you’re commuting, shopping, or heading off on a long journey.

Yet despite the improved infrastructure, cost remains the biggest hesitation for many drivers. Public charging prices typically range from 30–75p per kWh, depending on charger speed and location. For drivers without access to home charging (like many of us living in flats or cities), those costs can feel like a deal-breaker.

This is exactly where The Charge Scheme from The Electric Car Scheme changes the picture! By paying for charging through salary sacrifice, The Charge Scheme reduces your public charging costs by 20–50%, simply by taking payments from your pre-tax salary. That brings real-world public charging costs down to as little as 15–37.5p per kWh, even when using faster chargers. If you’re considering an electric car through salary sacrifice, or already have one, public charging doesn’t need to be a barrier!

How Does The Charge Scheme Transform Public Charging Costs?

Public charging is only truly viable in the long term if the costs are manageable. Public charging is often seen as expensive, but The Charge Scheme changes how you pay for it.

What Is The Charge Scheme?

The Charge Scheme is a salary sacrifice programme that allows you to pay for electric vehicle charging using your gross salary, before tax and National Insurance are applied.

Instead of covering charging costs from your take-home pay, they’re deducted directly from your salary. This delivers automatic savings of 20–50%, depending on your tax band, without changing how or where you charge.

The scheme works across all major UK charging networks and covers:

• Public charging

• Workplace charging

• Home charging (where applicable)

You use one card and one app, with all charging costs consolidated into a single pre-tax monthly deduction. There’s no need for multiple subscriptions or juggling different payment methods.

Real Cost Comparison: With and Without The Charge Scheme

Public charging costs vary by charger speed, but salary sacrifice dramatically reduces what you actually pay.

Charger Type	Standard Cost	With Charge Scheme (20%)	With Charge Scheme (40%)
Slow (7kW)	30-40p/kWh	24-32p/kWh	18-24p/kWh
Fast (7–22kW)	40-50p/kWh	32-40p/kWh	24-30p/kWh
Rapid (50kW)	50-65p/kWh	40-52p/kWh	30-39p/kWh
Ultra-rapid (150kW+)	65-75p/kWh	52-60p/kWh	39-45p/kWh

For a driver covering around 10,000 miles per year, this typically equates to £300–£900 in annual savings, depending on usage and tax band.

How To Access The Charge Scheme

You can access The Charge Scheme through your employer when they offer The Electric Car Scheme.

Once available, the process is simple:

1. Your employer signs up

2. You opt in to The Charge Scheme

3. You receive your card and app access

4. Charging costs are deducted pre-tax each month

If you already salary sacrifice an electric car, adding charging creates a single, predictable EV cost package!

Types Of Public Chargers

Before choosing where to charge, it helps to understand the different charger types - and how The Charge Scheme makes all of them cheaper, regardless of speed or location.

Public chargers fall into four main categories, all of which are compatible with The Charge Scheme and benefit from the same salary sacrifice savings.

Image source: Evesco

Slow Chargers (Up To 7kW)

These are similar to what you might have installed at home and are commonly found in places where cars are parked for longer periods:

• Shopping centres,

• Public car parks,

• Workplace parking spaces.

A slow charger typically adds around 20-30 miles of range per hour of charging. While not ideal for a quick top-up, they're perfect for overnight charging or during a full day at work.

Fast Chargers (7-22kW)

Fast chargers offer a significant step up in charging speed and are often found in:

• Supermarkets,

• Leisure centres,

• Town centre car parks.

Depending on your car's capability and the specific charger, you can expect to add 60-90 miles of range per hour. This makes them ideal for a meaningful charge while you're shopping or during other activities lasting a few hours.

Rapid Chargers (50kW)

Rapid chargers are the workhorses of public charging infrastructure, providing quick charging for most modern electric cars:

• Service stations,

• Dedicated charging hubs,

• Major retail locations.

These chargers can typically add 100-150 miles of range in about 30-45 minutes, making them perfect for longer journeys when you need a quick boost.

Ultra-Rapid Chargers (150kW+)

The newest and fastest charging option, ultra-rapid chargers are making long-distance electric car travel easier and more convenient:

• Motorway services,

• Major transport hubs,

• Modern charging stations.

With speeds of 150kW, 250kW, or even 350kW, these chargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 20 minutes - perfect for minimal stops on long journeys. However, it's important to note that your car needs to be compatible with ultra-rapid charging to take advantage of these speeds.

Charger Growth In 2026

Ultra-rapid chargers now account for a large proportion of new public charging installations, reflecting the shift towards faster, high-throughput charging - all of which remains covered by The Charge Scheme!

Key Takeaway: Every Charger Type Is Covered (And Cheaper)

Whether you’re using a slow on-street charger, a fast unit at the supermarket, or an ultra-rapid charger on the motorway, The Charge Scheme applies the same tax-efficient savings. That means you can choose chargers based on convenience and speed, not just price, with no need to avoid faster chargers because of higher headline rates.

How To Find Public Chargers

Image source: Shutterstock

Finding a charger in 2026 is straightforward - and when you’re using The Charge Scheme, you don’t need to worry about whether a particular network or charger type will cost more.

With tens of thousands of public charge points nationwide, most drivers rely on a combination of apps and in-car navigation to locate chargers that suit their journey.

Most tools now show:

• Real-time availability

• Charger speed

• Pricing information

• User reviews

The Charge Scheme App Integration

The Charge Scheme app brings everything together by helping you:

• Locate compatible public chargers

• Track charging sessions

• Monitor spending and tax savings

• Manage all charging in one place

For longer trips, planning charging stops around natural breaks, such as coffee or lunch, keeps journeys relaxed and efficient.

Workplace Charging And Salary Sacrifice

Workplace charging is an increasingly important part of the public charging mix, especially for drivers without home charging.

How Does Workplace Charging Work With Electric Car Salary Sacrifice Schemes?

Workplace chargers allow employees to top up during the working day, often at lower speeds and lower costs.

Employer Benefits

• Supports sustainability and net-zero goals

• Strengthens employee benefits packages

• Minimal administration when paired with salary sacrifice

Employee Access Through The Electric Car Scheme

Employees can pay for workplace charging through The Charge Scheme, benefiting from the same pre-tax savings as public charging.

Combining Workplace And Public Charging

Many drivers use:

• Workplace charging for weekday driving

• Public rapid charging for longer journeys

Both can be managed through one scheme and one monthly deduction!

What Does Public Charging Cost In 2026 (And How To Save 20–50%)?

Public charging costs are one of the most important factors to understand if you’re relying on charging away from home. In 2026, the UK’s charging network offers more choice than ever, but prices still vary depending on where and how you charge.

In general, slower chargers cost less per kWh, while rapid and ultra-rapid chargers come at a premium for convenience and speed. That’s expected, but without a smarter way to pay, those higher costs can add up quickly over time.

This is where salary sacrifice changes the equation. By paying for charging through The Charge Scheme, the focus shifts away from headline prices and towards what you actually pay after tax.

Public Charging Costs: At a Glance

The table below shows typical public charging prices in 2026 and how they change when charging is paid for through salary sacrifice.

Charger Type	Standard Cost	With Charge Scheme (20%)	With Charge Scheme (40%)	Annual Savings*
Slow	30–40p	24–32p	18–24p	£180–£480
Fast	40–50p	32–40p	24–30p	£240–£600
Rapid	50–65p	40–52p	30–39p	£300–£780
Ultra-rapid	65–75p	52–60p	39–45p	£390–£900

*Table is based on approximately 10,000 miles per year.

How The Charge Scheme Salary Sacrifice Works for Charging

Charging through salary sacrifice doesn’t change how you use public chargers - it just changes how the cost is treated. Your charging spend is deducted from your salary before tax and National Insurance, reducing your taxable income. The result is a lower effective cost per kWh, which scales with your tax band.

Image source: The Charge Scheme

In practice, this means:

• Basic-rate taxpayers see savings of around 20%

• Higher-rate taxpayers see savings of around 40%

Because the saving is proportional, drivers who rely more heavily on public charging, particularly faster chargers, see the greatest benefit over the year.

Payment Methods With The Charge Scheme

Public charging often feels complicated because each network has its own payment system. The Charge Scheme simplifies this by bringing everything together.

You charge using:

• A single physical card

• Or the Charge Scheme app

Charging sessions across supported networks are tracked automatically and rolled into one clear monthly deduction. This makes it easier to budget, easier to manage, and far easier than juggling multiple apps or subscriptions.

Comparing Total Ownership Costs

Charging costs make the most sense when viewed as part of your overall cost of running an electric car.

When charging is paid for traditionally:

• Costs come from take-home pay

• Faster chargers feel disproportionately expensive

• Monthly spend can be unpredictable

When charging is included alongside an electric car salary sacrifice scheme:

• Both the car and charging benefit from tax savings

• Monthly costs are more consistent

• Public charging becomes a practical everyday option

For drivers without home charging, this combination is often what makes electric driving workable long-term - not just environmentally, but financially.

Key Takeaway: Salary Sacrifice Changes What You Actually Pay

Headline charging prices don’t tell the full story. When charging is paid for through salary sacrifice, the real cost per kWh drops significantly, especially for higher-rate taxpayers. Over a year, that can mean hundreds of pounds in savings, particularly if you rely on public or rapid charging. It’s a simple change in how you pay - with a big impact on running costs.

Combining EV Salary Sacrifice With Public Charging

When you combine an electric car salary sacrifice scheme with The Charge Scheme, you’re not just saving money in two places - you’re simplifying how you run your car day to day. Instead of managing separate costs for your vehicle and your charging, everything works together in a single, predictable setup.

This combination is particularly valuable if public charging plays a big role in how you drive. Rather than planning journeys around the cheapest chargers, you can focus on what’s most convenient, knowing the cost efficiency is already built in.

How To Maximise Savings: Electric Car + Charging Salary Sacrifice

The real advantage of combining a car and a salary sacrifice scheme is how the savings compound over time. Your vehicle costs are reduced upfront, while your ongoing charging costs are lowered every time you plug in.

Because both elements are handled through salary sacrifice, you benefit from:

• Reduced monthly outgoings

• Fewer variable running costs

• A clearer picture of what driving your electric car actually costs each month

This makes budgeting easier and removes much of the uncertainty that can put people off switching to electric in the first place.

The Complete Package

Bringing your car and charging together creates a genuinely joined-up EV solution:

• Electric car savings of 20–50%, depending on your tax band

• Charging savings of 20–50% on public, workplace, and home charging (where available)

• Predictable monthly costs, with fewer surprise expenses

• No requirement for home charging, making electric driving viable for more people

Image source: Shutterstock

Instead of public charging being an “extra” cost to manage, it becomes part of your overall EV running costs — just like insurance or servicing.

Who Benefits Most?

While almost any EV driver can benefit, this combined approach is especially well-suited to:

• Drivers without driveways, who rely heavily on public charging

• Flat and apartment residents, where home charging isn’t an option

• Urban drivers, using a mix of on-street, workplace, and destination charging

• Long-distance commuters, who depend on rapid and ultra-rapid chargers

For these drivers, combining salary sacrifice for both car and charging removes one of the biggest practical barriers to going electric.

Real-World Cost Comparison

In real terms, the difference can be significant. A higher-rate taxpayer driving around 10,000 miles per year could save hundreds of pounds annually by combining electric car salary sacrifice with The Charge Scheme, compared to traditional car ownership and pay-as-you-go public charging. More importantly, those savings come with greater convenience and less admin, making electric driving not just cheaper, but easier to live with every day.

Key Takeaway: Car + Charging Salary Sacrifice Works Best Together

Electric car salary sacrifice is most powerful when charging is included too. By combining both, you get lower upfront costs, reduced running costs, and predictable monthly payments - all without needing home charging. For many drivers, this joined-up approach is what makes switching to electric feel straightforward, affordable, and easy to manage long term.

Best Practices

Being a considerate EV driver helps everyone in the charging community. Here are the key things to keep in mind when using public chargers.

Charging Etiquette

When publicly charging your EV, it is important to consider other drivers! Here are some best practices to follow:

Do's

• Move your car once charging is complete,

• Share your charging experiences on apps like Zap-Map to help others,

• Leave the charging area tidy,

• Only park in EV charging bays when actually charging your car!

Don'ts

• Block access to chargers when not charging,

• Unplug other cars (even if they're finished charging),

• Leave cables lying around,

• Take up rapid chargers for longer than needed.

Safety First

Keep these safety tips in mind:

• Check cables for damage before using.

• Don't force connectors - they should click in easily,

• Keep the charging port cover closed when not in use,

• Handle cables carefully in wet weather.

Image source: Shutterstock

How To Maximise Your Charging Experience

Time Management

• Use rapid chargers for quick top-ups on long journeys,

• Plan to charge around natural breaks like coffee stops,

• Consider charging to 80% at rapid chargers - it's usually quicker than going to 100%,

• Use slower chargers for longer stays to save money.

Battery Care

• Try to keep your battery level between 20% and 80% for everyday use,

• Only charge to 100% for long journeys,

• Use rapid chargers sparingly - they put more stress on the battery,

• Consider weather conditions - extreme temperatures can affect charging speed.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not checking if a charger is compatible with your car,

2. Forgetting to end your charging session properly,

3. Not having a backup charging location planned,

4. Letting your battery get too low before looking for a charger.

Maximising Charge Scheme Benefits

• Use slower chargers when parked for longer

• Save ultra-rapid chargers for motorway journeys

• Aim to charge to 80% on rapid chargers

• Track costs and savings in the app

Common Problems And How To Solve Them

Even with modern infrastructure, occasional issues can crop up.

The Mysterious Slow Charge

You've found a rapid charger, but your car seems to be charging at a snail's pace. Don't worry, there are several possible explanations:

• Cold weather is a common culprit - batteries charge significantly slower when they're cold. If you're charging in winter, your rate might be reduced by up to 30%.

• Many dual chargers split their power when both sides are in use. So if someone plugs in beside you, you might suddenly see your charging speed drop.

• Your car itself might be limiting the charging speed, especially if your battery is above 80% full. Most EVs automatically slow charging as they approach capacity to protect the battery.

When Your Car Won't Release the Cable

You're charged up and ready to go, but your car has other ideas and won't release the charging cable.

• Make sure you've properly ended the charging session in the app,

• Checking that your car is unlocked,

• Sometimes, locking and unlocking your car again will reset the mechanism.

The Human Element: When Other EV Drivers Aren't Following Etiquette

Sometimes the problem isn't technical but human. You might arrive at a charger to find a fully-charged car still occupying the space. If you encounter this, check if the charging network has a way to send a notification to the other driver. Many modern apps now include this feature. Otherwise, patience is unfortunately your only option - but take heart that as EV etiquette becomes more established, these situations are becoming less common.

The Best Solution: Be Prepared

The most seasoned EV drivers will tell you that preparation is key. Keep multiple EV charging apps on your phone, have a backup charging location in mind for longer journeys, and familiarise yourself with the quirks of different networks you use regularly.

Issues Specific To The Charge Scheme

• Card not working: Try app payment or restart the charging session

• App issues: Log out and back in or refresh the session

• Charger faults: Use the network helpline or in-app support

Frequently Asked Questions About Public Charging And The Charge Scheme

Image source: Shutterstock

What Is The Charge Scheme?

The Charge Scheme is a salary sacrifice programme that allows you to pay for electric vehicle charging before tax. This reduces your charging costs by 20–50%, depending on your income tax band.

How Much Can I Save Each Year With The Charge Scheme?

Most drivers save between £300 and £900 per year by paying for charging through salary sacrifice. The exact saving depends on how much you drive, how often you use public chargers, and your tax band.

Can I Use The Charge Scheme At Any Public Charger?

The Charge Scheme works across all major UK public charging networks. This means you can charge at a wide range of locations without being tied to a single provider.

Do I Need An Electric Car Through Salary Sacrifice To Use The Charge Scheme?

Access depends on how your employer has set up their scheme. Some employers allow charging to be included alongside an electric car, while others may offer charging separately.

What Happens If I Leave My Employer?

Your arrangements are clearly outlined as part of your scheme terms. This ensures you understand what happens to your charging access if your employment changes.

Which Charging Networks Does The Charge Scheme Work With?

The Charge Scheme is compatible with most major UK charging networks, including rapid and ultra-rapid providers. This gives you flexibility when charging away from home.

How Do Public Charging Costs Compare To Home Charging In 2026?

Home charging is usually cheaper per kWh than public charging. However, using salary sacrifice through The Charge Scheme significantly narrows the gap, particularly for higher-rate taxpayers.

Can I Use The Charge Scheme For Workplace Charging?

Yes, where your employer provides workplace charging, The Charge Scheme can be used to pay for it. The same pre-tax savings apply as they do for public charging.

What’s The Fastest Public Charger I Can Use With The Charge Scheme?

The Charge Scheme supports ultra-rapid chargers of up to 350kW. Actual charging speeds depend on your vehicle’s capability.

Is Public Charging Reliable Enough Without Home Charging?

Yes. With widespread UK coverage and continued investment, many drivers now rely entirely on public and workplace charging.

How Do I Find Charge Scheme-Compatible Chargers Near Me?

You can use the Charge Scheme app alongside popular EV charging apps to locate compatible chargers. These tools show availability, speed, and other useful details in real time.

What If A Charger Doesn’t Work When Using The Charge Scheme Card?

If a charger doesn’t start, you can try restarting the session or using app-based payment. Support options are also available through the app and charging network.

Can I Salary Sacrifice Home Charging Costs Too?

Yes. Where supported by your employer, home, workplace, and public charging costs can all be included under The Charge Scheme.

How Does The Charge Scheme Compare To Network-Specific Subscriptions?

Unlike network subscriptions, The Charge Scheme works across multiple providers with one card. It also delivers tax savings that subscriptions cannot offer.

How Does Benefit-In-Kind Affect Electric Cars In 2026?

Benefit-in-Kind for electric cars is set to rise to 4% from April 2026. Even so, electric cars remain significantly more tax-efficient than petrol or diesel alternatives.

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Last updated: 29.01.2026

Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme's terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.

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