How accessible is EV charging in the UK?

How Accessible is EV Charging in the UK?

With the latest Government announcement around car grants of up to £3,750 for eligible vehicles, there’s been a fresh spark of interest in the EV market. While this discount is a welcome boost for buyers, it’s also got people asking, “What’s charging like if I make the switch?”

At Swansway Motor Group, we know buying an EV is about more than just the car, it’s about your lifestyle, your routine and how easy it’ll be to stay powered up. So, let’s take a friendly, transparent look at how accessible EV charging really is across the UK.

What’s the grant all about?

The new electric car grant 2025 is designed to help make electric cars more affordable, which is great news if you’re looking to go green and save a bit of money in the process.

Eligibility for the grant will be based on how sustainable the vehicle is, though the exact details haven’t yet been released. Cars will fall into one of two bands, those in ‘band one’ will receive the full £3,750 discount, while those in ‘band two’ will receive up to £1,500. 

According to the Department for Transport, these bands (which could increase from two) will depend on how much CO2 is emitted during a car’s production, however specific figures haven’t yet been revealed.

Charging at home: Currently the easiest option

Home EV charging is still the easiest and most affordable option for drivers in the UK and it means you start every morning with a full battery. If you’ve got a driveway or garage, installing a home charger makes a big difference and with the EV chargepoint grant still available for some homeowners, it can cost less than you think. 

Swansway Tip: If you’re thinking about switching to an electric car, check whether your home is eligible for a wall box installation before buying, our team can help guide you.

What about public charging?

The UK now has over 60,000 public EV charge points and that numbers are growing every week. Whether you're driving through a big city or popping to the supermarket, you're likely to find somewhere to top your battery up. That said, we understand it's not perfect, availability, speed and reliability can vary, especially in rural areas like Cheshire.

Helpful tools: Free apps like Zap-Map or the in-built sat nav in many EVs (like the Audi Q4 e-tron or Volkswagen ID.3) can help you plan journeys and find nearby chargers quickly.

Rapid Charging - the future's getting faster

The good news? Ultra-rapid charging networks are popping up all over the UK, with big brands like Gridserve, InstaVolt and Ionity are speeding things up. These charging points can get you from 10% to 80% charge in around 30 minutes, perfect for those motorway pit stops on long journeys and commutes.
 
Swansway EVs with fast charging capability include:

- Audi Q8 e-tron
- CUPRA Born
- Volkswagen ID.4
- BYD Seal
- BYD Atto 3 SUV
- BYD Dolphin

EV charging without a driveway in the UK

We get it, not everyone has off street parking, but local councils are catching up. On street chargers and lamppost charging are becoming more common and some cities are trialling ‘community charging’ schemes, letting neighbours share access to home chargers.

If you’re based in areas like Crewe, Birmingham or Wrexham, it’s worth checking your local council website for current EV charging developments or plans.

So, is it easy to run an EV?

The real answer is it depends on your daily life. With the UK’s EV infrastructure growing fast, plus more EV friendly technology in today’s new and used cars, it’s becoming easier every year to make the leap in going green.

We’re here to help you buy your first electric car, whether that’s a compact EV for city life, a family friendly electric SUV, or a plug-in hybrid for the best of both worlds.

Thinking about going electric?

At Swansway Motor Group, we’ve got a wide range of new and used electric cars to choose from. Our teams are happy to chat through charging, running costs and whether an EV will suit your lifestyle.
If you’re unsure what you're looking for or would like more information about one of the EV’s you see on our website, don’t hesitate to get in touch with one of our team and we’d be happy to help you.

FAQs

Can I install an EV charger at home in the UK?
Yes, if you’ve got a driveway or garage, you can usually install a home charging point. You may also be eligible for the EV chargepoint grant to help with the cost.

How many EV chargers are in the UK?
As of 2025, there are over 60,000 public EV charge points across the UK, with more being added every week.

What is the new EV grant for 2025?
The Government is offering up to £3,750 off eligible electric cars, based on sustainability criteria. (Specific eligibility details are still to be announced)