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 can be significantly cheaper than petrol.
A full EV charge in London typically costs around £15–£50, depending on whether you charge at home or use public and rapid chargers. If you’re a PCO driver covering hundreds of miles every week, finding free EV charging stations and knowing the cheapest ways to charge an EV in London can make a noticeable difference to your running costs.
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.
Hyundai Kona
£200/week
Hyundai Ioniq SE
£200/week
KIA Sorento 2025
£370/week
Kia Niro 2
£255/week
Kia Xceed
£220/week
Toyota Prius Plug-in
£220/week
MG HS 2025
£260/week
Volkswagen Sharan
£280/week
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an EV in London?
EV charging costs depend on where and how you charge. Below are the most common options available to EV drivers in London:
Home charging
This is usually the cheapest option. Residential electricity tends to cost a lot less than public chargers.
As of September 2026, Ofgem’s average electricity unit rate sits at 26.11p per kWh on a standard variable tariff paid by Direct Debit.
So, for a 60kWh battery, a one-time full charge costs around £15.67. It can cost even less if you use cheaper night-time electricity. For PCO EV drivers in London, a home wall box can save you a serious amount on fuel.
You can also reduce your upfront EV cost on top of saving on fuel. Learn more about the Electric Car Grant and find out which EVs qualify and whether you’re eligible.
Public charging
On the other hand, if you’re relying on public stations, these are usually more expensive, and prices vary widely depending on the network and charging speed.
As of July 2026, London’s average public charging tariff is around 54p per kWh for standard public charging, which puts a full 60kWh charge at £32.40.
The cost increases further if you use a rapid or ultra-rapid charger, which costs around 80p/kWh. But they save you time. If you’re between bookings and need to get moving again quickly, paying a bit more for a rapid charger can be the smarter choice than waiting hours for a slower one.
Read our guide to EV chargers for PCO drivers to understand the different charger types and how to choose the right option for your driving strategy.
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Free EV Charging Stations in London
According to ZapMap, London has over 20,000 EV charging stations, out of which only 264 are free. 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. So while free charging is available, it is best treated as a useful top-up rather than something you can rely on for every shift.
How to Find Free Charging Stations in London?
There are two main apps to find free charging stations in London: ZapMap and PodPoint. Here’s a brief look at both of them.
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.
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.
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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.
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 and Retail Car Parks
Supermarkets and retail car parks are among the most practical places to find free or time-limited charging in London.
Selected locations may offer:
- Tesco – Some stores provide around one hour of free charging on 22kW chargers, after which charging or parking fees may apply.
- IKEA – Selected locations, including Wembley, Croydon and Greenwich, may offer 7kW charging that is free while you shop.
- Sainsbury’s, Asda and Aldi – Some stores still provide free charging, although terms vary by location and can change.
These chargers work best as destination charging. Plug in while shopping, eating or collecting an order rather than relying on them for a complete battery top-up.
Hotels, Attractions and Leisure Venues
Hotels and visitor attractions may include free charging as a benefit for guests or customers.
You may find complimentary destination charging at:
- Hotels, including selected Premier Inn, Holiday Inn and Marriott properties
- Museums, galleries, zoos and theatres
- Heritage sites and other visitor attractions
- Restaurants and cafés
- Leisure venues and garden centres
Access may be limited to guests or paying customers, and spaces are often restricted. Check the venue’s website or call ahead before making a special journey.
JOLT's Daily Free Charging Allowance
One option worth checking is JOLT.
JOLT operates around 40 chargers in London and offers eligible drivers 7kWh of free charging per day. That could provide roughly 20–30 miles of range, depending on your EV’s efficiency. Standard per-kWh fees apply after the daily allowance.
For PCO drivers, this can be useful if you plan your route around a JOLT charger and use the free allowance during a scheduled break.
Always check the JOLT app for the latest locations, availability and terms before travelling.
Promotional Free-Charging Events
Charging operators sometimes offer short free-charging promotions when new hubs open.
Recent examples include:
- IONITY Greenwich – A 24-hour “Free Friday” promotion on 21 August 2026 through the IONITY app.
- Fastned and Places for London at Hatton Cross – A five-day free-charging promotion in June 2026 to mark the hub opening.
These offers are temporary, but they can be worth watching if you follow EV news, operator apps and local charging announcements.
Workplace and Residential Charging
If you have access to a charger at work or in your residential building, charging may be effectively free because it is included in your benefits, rent or service charge.
Many London offices and newer residential developments now provide EV charging as an amenity. Check whether there are usage limits, booking requirements or separate parking charges.
Are Free Charging Stations Reliable?
The reliability of free charging stations depends on several factors, including location, maintenance, and demand. The free 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.
Is Free Charging Always the Cheapest Option?
Not necessarily.
A free 7kW charger might cost you nothing in electricity, but you could spend several hours waiting for your car to charge.
As a PCO driver, that time has a value.
For example, if you have to drive 5 miles out of your way and wait two hours for a free charger, a nearby paid rapid charger may actually be the better financial choice.
Before choosing where to charge, think about:
- Charging price
- Charger speed
- Distance from your route
- Waiting time
- Parking charges
- Charger availability
- How much range you actually need
Rather than simply looking for cheap EV charging in London, plan your charging around your route, working hours and energy needs.
How Much Can PCO Drivers Save Using Cheap EV Charging?
London offers plenty of ways to keep EV charging costs down if you know where to look. By learning how to manage an electric PCO car efficiently, any professional PCO driver in London makes their business model significantly more resilient against fuel price spikes.
Let’s look at the profile of two PCO drivers who each cover 750 miles a week in a Kia Niro EV.
One driver uses two free charging sessions and does the rest of the charging at home. The second driver relies mostly on public chargers and only uses two home charging sessions.
That is a difference of about £118 every week, or more than £6,100 a year.
These savings will vary depending on the vehicle, mileage, electricity tariff and charging network. However, the more miles you drive, the more important your charging strategy becomes.
EV Charging Tips for PCO Drivers
Charge During Off-Peak Times (00:00 to 07:00)
Charging during off-peak hours can slash your charging costs by more than half. Some drivers pair their smart chargers with off-peak tariffs to automatically charge EVs when electricity is the cheapest.
Plan Ahead
Use apps like Zapmap to find available charging stations. The app also offers price comparison of different charging stations and updates about free EV charging stations in London, allowing you to pick the most affordable option. You can plan your next ride there, take a short break for refreshments, and top up your EV.
You don’t always need to find a completely free charger to save money.
Sometimes the best option is simply finding a cheaper charger that is already on your route.
Monitor Battery Health
Although ultra-rapid chargers are fast and can minimise downtime, their frequent use can reduce the battery’s life, and they also cost more. The best option is to charge your vehicle overnight and only use the rapid chargers to top up during the shift when needed.
Pick the Best Option
Conclusion
Charging an EV in London can be much cheaper than running a petrol car, especially if you have access to home charging.
Free charging stations can help you reduce your costs even further, but they are limited and can come with restrictions.
For PCO drivers, the smarter approach is to plan your charging around your working day. Use apps to find free and cheaper options, and take advantage of free or complementary charging where it makes sense.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is charging an EV expensive in the UK?
It depends on where you charge your EV. Charging at home overnight or using standard public chargers is relatively cheaper, while the fast or ultra-rapid chargers cost more.
Do electric cars come with a home wall box charger?
No, you will have to buy a wall box charger separately to charge your car at home.
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.
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.
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.
What is the cheapest way to charge an EV in London?
Setting up a dedicated home wallbox on a time-of-use energy plan is the most economical way to power a pco car. Specialised EV home tariffs can drop overnight energy costs to as little as 10p to 14p per kWh, allowing you to completely refill your vehicle’s battery for just a few pounds while you sleep.
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