Cut Your Costs: Use Free EV Charging Stations in London
Fuel cost is a major worry for PCO drivers. One way to avoid this cost is to switch to EVs. These cars are not only environmentally friendly, but charging them is significantly cheaper than petrol. At some places in London, you can charge them for free as well.
However, finding free EV charging stations is not an easy task, as they are not as commonly available as petrol stations or paid charging points.
Mostly, you will find them at supermarkets, shopping centers, and companies trying to attract customers and keep them around longer. According to studies, EV drivers stay 2-3 times longer at businesses that offer free EV charging compared to those without. And more time inside = more spending.
Article Highlights
- There are over 20,000 EV charging stations in London, out of which only 264 are free.
- You can use apps like ZapMap and PodPoint to find free EV charging stations in London.
- The best places to find free EV charging stations are supermarkets, hotels, and car dealerships.
- The Free EV charging stations at reputable business places are reliable. However, others may not receive the same care.
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How Many Free EV Charging Stations are in London?
London has over 20,000 EV charging stations, out of which only 264 are free, according to ZapMap. The number of free EV chargers used to be 465 in the year 2022. However, it has reduced to almost half since then due to the rising electricity costs.
The free EV charging points have great value in the PCO world, as they offer you an opportunity to save money. However, their scarcity means PCO drivers who frequently need to recharge their vehicles can’t easily find them. So, as someone who spends hours on the road every day, you will need to plan your routes strategically to take advantage of these free charging stations.
How to Find Free Charging Stations in London?
ZapMap
ZapMap is the most popular app when it comes to finding free EV charging points in London/UK. The app contains information about 95% of EV charging stations in the UK, which you can see in the map or list form.
Here’s how this app works:
- Open ZapMap on your PC or mobile phone
- Click Filters
- Select Payment
- Select Free to use
- Select Apply
Then go to each location and check the ‘info’ and ‘chat’ tabs. This will help you see if the charging station is still free and open to the public. If you are lucky, you will find a free charging station near you.
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PodPoint
As the demand for free charging points grows, so does the need for user-friendly platforms that can help you find those charging stations. PodPoint is one of those platforms. The app’s database has information about thousands of EV charging stations in the city.
While most of these charging stations have a fee, PodPoint highlights those that are free to use as well, saving you the hassle of searching for a place to power up your vehicle.
The best part is that PodPoint provides detailed information about each charging station. This information usually includes the charging speeds, availability, and public reviews so you can make an informed decision based on your schedule and route.
Another great thing about PodPoint is that the app consistently updates its database. So, as the EV infrastructure evolves in London, the app evolves with it as well, providing the most recent, up-to-date information to users.
What are the Best Places to Find Free EV Charging Spots in London?
There are many places where you can find free charging stations in London, including:
Supermarkets
Some supermarkets provide free charging stations as additional value to the customers.
When it comes to supermarkets offering free charging points, the first name that comes to mind is Costco. The company has three sites in London offering 85 free 7kW charging connections. The stores are located in Hayes, Watford, and Wembley. However, to be able to charge here, you must purchase Costco’s membership, which only costs £26 for a trade account or £33 for an individual account (for one year).
Hotels and Accommodations
PCO drivers usually have long shifts with unpredictable routes. If you want to maximise your profits amidst all this, you must take every possible step to minimise your downtime.
Charging at hotels and accommodations is one way to do so. You might be surprised to read this, but many hotels in London such as Marriott offer free charging to guests and, sometimes, even the general public including PCO drivers.
However, you must get permission from the front desk first, which they generally grant if the charging stations are free.
Car Dealerships
Many PCO drivers are unaware that they can charge their vehicles free of cost at car dealerships. This is due to the fact that these places are typically considered only to sell vehicles. However, many of them promote electric transportation as well such as Tesla, Nissan, and BMW.
In fact, Tesla is famous for its high-speed charging network. Although it’s mainly for Tesla owners, some of the company’s dealerships have level 2 chargers which are relatively slow. These chargers are accessible to all PCO drivers.
Are Free Charging Stations Reliable?
The answer to this depends on several factors including location, maintenance, and demand. Usually, the charging stations at reputable supermarkets, hotels, and car dealerships are well-maintained and offer a smooth charging experience. These providers understand that a faulty station could negatively affect their reputation. Hence, they invest well in their upkeep. On the other hand, the charging stations at smaller businesses may not receive the same care, which ultimately leads to technical issues.
Availability is another key factor to consider. The free charging stations tend to be crowded as everyone loves free stuff. This means you may have to wait in line to power up your vehicle. As a PCO driver, this is something you can’t afford because you have passengers to transport, and every minute you spend waiting in line could be a missed opportunity.
This is where apps like ZapMap come in! They let you know which free charging stations are available so you can plan accordingly.
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Conclusion
There are more than 20,000 EV charging stations, out of which only 264 are free. Finding the free EV charging stations requires a bit of effort and some apps, such as ZapMap and PodPoint. While the free charging points offer great convenience to PCO drivers, they come with some challenges. For instance, you are more likely to find a well-maintained charger at a reputable brand compared to a smaller business. Also, most of these chargers are in high demand. So, the availability is another issue. Therefore, you should always have a backup plan, particularly during busy times to avoid any downtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I charge my EV for free in London?
There are many places that offer free charging for EVs in London, including:
- Supermarkets
- Shopping centres
- Car dealerships
- Hotels
- Cafes, restaurants, theme parks, etc.
How long does it take to charge an EV with a 7kW charger?
A 7kW charger typically takes around 8 hours to fully charge a 60kWh battery. It’s ideal to charge your car while you sleep.
Should I charge my EV every night?
It’s not recommended to charge your EV every night as it may affect the battery’s lifespan. Only charge your car when needed for longer battery life.
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