EV Charging in 2026: Everything You Need to Know

Thinking about making the switch to electric? You're in good company. With over 88,000 public charging points now available across the UK and electric vehicles becoming increasingly affordable, there's never been a better time to go electric.

The UK's charging infrastructure has grown dramatically, with 18,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers providing quick top-ups when you're on the go. These faster chargers can add up to 80% battery capacity in just 20 minutes, making long journeys easier than ever. Whether you're stopping at a motorway service station or grabbing a coffee, you'll find charging options at over 45,000 locations nationwide.

For most drivers, home charging is where the real savings happen. With specialist EV tariffs offering overnight rates as low as 7-9p per kWh, charging at home can cost as little as £2-£7 for a full charge. That's roughly 2-5p per mile, compared to 14-19p per mile for petrol.

Installing a home charger is more straightforward than you might think. A standard 7kW wall box charger costs between £800-£1,200 installed, and if you're a tenant or flat owner, you may qualify for the OZEV grant which provides up to £350 towards installation costs. A 7kW charger adds about 30 miles of range per hour, perfect for overnight charging.

Ohme are partnered with Hyundai, Octopus and others to make your EV Charging point install as easy as possible. 

Public charging costs vary by speed and location. Slow and fast chargers average around 54p per kWh, while rapid and ultra-rapid chargers cost approximately 77p per kWh. Major networks like InstaVolt, Tesla, and Osprey have expanded significantly, with charging hubs featuring six or more rapid chargers becoming increasingly common at motorway services and retail locations.

Many supermarkets and shopping centres offer free or low-cost charging while you shop, making it easy to top up during your daily routine. Just remember to check for any parking charges that may apply during longer charging sessions.