:format(webp)/f/85281/2880x1208/a36f664d7f/1027sr01_ev-holiday-campaign_tips_blog-post-banner.png)
Find the nearest EV charging station with Shell Recharge
Unlock our large network of public charging stations for easy, quick and convenient on-the-go EV charging. Find out how simple it is to charge at Shell and at any of the other 300,000 public charge points in our network. Just download the app, where you can order a charge card, find a location and charge. Easy!
To charge an EV, you’ll need to plug it into a charge point. The main places to plug in are, at home, at work, or on-the go at public charging stations. If you don't own a private charge point, no problem, public charging is a great way to keep your EV full of juice. And, with the ever-increasing adoption of EVs and investment in infrastructure, public charging is continually getting better and better.
We couldn't be happier about this, because we strive to make driving an EV work in the real world. We believe charging your EV should be as straightforward as filling up with petrol. Hence, why we have made it easier than ever to access any of our 300,000 charge points. Charge on-the-go with Shell Recharge (including former NewMotion), and all the roaming partners in our public charging network across the UK, Europe and beyond.
Find a public EV charging station
Plan your trip around any of the 300,000 public charge points we give access to in our sprawling network. You can charge your car at many public locations; at the supermarket, cinema, gym, at shopping centres, car parks and on the street. You can even filter by the type of charger, connector type and speed, so you can always find a charger that matches your specific needs. Take a look now, it’s very easy to find public EV charging stations.
How much do public charging stations cost
The cost of public charging can be confusing, not all operators are very clear about their tariffs either. We try to make charging costs transparent. However, you may see variation in costs between charges, as price is determined by a few factors. One of the key price determinants is speed. With the Shell Recharge network the cost of Fast charging is £0.55 per kWh, Rapid is £0.79 per kWh and Ultra-rapid costs £0.85 per kWh. IONITY chargers cost £0.72 per kWh, but these charging stations offer potential speeds of up to 350 kW. Other roaming partners will have different tariffs again, you can read more by clicking on the link below.
Get upfront EV charging costs in the Shell Recharge app
The Shell Recharge app will also show you the actual price per kWh, so you always know what to expect. We always recommend looking at the price before you plug in.
Download the app, so you can see prices upfront and also keep track of your charge history.
:format(webp)/f/85281/800x450/7f1bdb6414/srs-charging-on-the-go-dc-charger-card.png)
How do I start charging with public stations?
Start a charge by tapping the charge point with either a Shell Recharge charge card or with a contactless payment. You can order your charge card through the Shell Recharge app for free. At selected operators, you can also stop and start charging with just the app.
Get real time updates about your EV charging status
When plugged in to a public EV charger, the Shell Recharge app will give you real time updates and notifications about the charge status of your vehicle. This means you can leave your car charging at a public charge point whilst you go shopping, grab a coffee, or go out for something to eat and monitor the progress on your phone.
However, to be considerate to others, you should only leave your car in the space for the time needed to charge your car.
How to use our public car charging points
Step 1.
Download the Shell Recharge app
Order your charge card in the app, once it has arrived in the post, activate it by adding it to your app. You can also add your specific vehicle to get a more accurate estimate.
Step 2.
Find available charge points
Find a convenient charge point using the app and filters. Refine your search by availability, connector type or charging speeds.
Step 3.
Plug in and start your charge
To begin your charge session, either swipe your card on the charge point or start a session using the Shell Recharge app. End the charge session the same way you started it.
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/49d8f5f8de/sr_icon_icon-copy-120.png){kind=icon}
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/fc0c8c83f5/sr_icon_icon-copy-200.png){kind=icon}
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/8e994ac1f8/sr_icon_icon-copy-164.png){kind=icon}
Benefits of using the Shell Recharge app and card for public EV charging
:format(webp)/f/85281/2364x2363/71e03c1c67/icon_icons-teal-13.png){kind=icon}
300,000+ charge points
Access our large charging network in over 33 countries in Europe.
:format(webp)/f/85281/567x568/709afac098/sr_icon_icon-copy-144.png){kind=icon}
Transparent pricing
See tariffs upfront in the Shell Recharge app
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/8656fdd0e5/sr_icon_icon-copy-138.png){kind=icon}
Easy monthly invoicing
No subscription needed and free to use. Just pay once per month.
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/cef2611515/sr_icon_icon-copy-165.png){kind=icon}
Everything in one place
Order, activate and use cards all through the app
How do I pay for public EV charging?
The Shell Recharge public network operates on a pay-for-what-you-use basis, with no subscriptions. You have two options, either pay with an activated Shell Recharge charge card or with a contactless payment method. Choose whichever options works best for you.
To make the experience as seamless as possible, we recommend that you download the Shell Recharge app. This is the simplest way to pay for electric car charging across our entire network. Just one account, to use everywhere. You can order a charge card directly through the app too. No need for “top-up”, credits, or a loyalty programme, the app allows for subscription-free, monthly payments. An active app and charge card has payment details (bank account, etc) attached to it, so you don't need to worry about payment every time you charge. Instead, you will receive one invoice per month, no matter which charge points you use in the network or how many times you charge.
You can also pay-as-you-go with a contactless card at selected charge points, this is easy too. By scanning a QR code on the charge point, you can also set up a one-time payment transaction. However, using the app and charge card means you can see tariff prices and take advantage of more competitive DC charging rates. You can also keep track of your charging history. And don’t forget that with contactless payments, you won’t be able to see live updates on your charging status or receive a payment receipt.
Shell Recharge app
Our app lets you find charge points nearby, see real-time availability, view pricing, start a charge, and keep track of your charge session history. Download the app and order your charge card, once it arrives in the post, you need to activate it in the app.
Public charging roaming partners
Shell Recharge gives access to thousands of charge points across Europe with integrated network roaming. Unlock any charge point in the network with one single account and pay one monthly bill.
:format(webp)/f/85281/600x600/c082624256/shell-recharge-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/1251x1251/27f7601aa3/total-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/1251x1251/3d8dbf2f29/ionity-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/600x600/54f065756e/osprey-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/1251x1251/d2f1a326a3/geniepoint-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/1251x1251/1199394c16/fastned-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/1251x1250/0866535fee/esb-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/1251x1250/67455970c4/audi-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/600x600/6bcab7c444/char-gy-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/600x600/8d2008f2a8/mer-logo.png){kind=logo}
:format(webp)/f/85281/600x600/b412769467/has-to-be-partner-logo.png){kind=logo}
EV charging speeds
- Fast charging: 7 kW or 22 kW
- Rapid charging: Up to 50 kW
- Ultra-rapid: 70 kW, 150 kW or 175 kW
Public fast charging stations
Destination charging stations - that’s supermarkets, cinemas and shopping centres, usually offer 7 kW or 22 kW charging. This speed will give you 20-30 miles of range per hour plugged in. We estimate it taking 3-4 hours to fully charge.
If you live a busy lifestyle and need to get back behind the wheel, Shell Recharge offers 50 kW chargers. These will typically charge most EVs to 0-80% in approximately 30 minutes. Some popular destinations, like Waitrose as an example, offer both 22 kW charging and 50 kW chargers.
Ultra-rapid charging stations
For even faster charging, you will also find ultra-rapid 175 kW chargers at Shell forecourts. These are the fastest way to charge your electric vehicle and can deliver power up to three times faster than 50 kW. Find out more about charging at Shell, and what we have on offer to recharge yourself whilst you're here.
Check your EV charging capacity
- Always check the speed at which your EV can receive a charge though, speeds of 175 kW are by no means the standard.
Free electric car charging points UK
You’ll find lots of free public EV charge points across the UK. These are most commonly found at supermarkets, shopping centres, public car parks and hotels. Basically in places that you would park. Be aware there could be access restrictions, commonly, they are reserved for ‘customer use only’ and will require you to validate your parking in order to enjoy. Some may also have a set period of time, so it's best to check.
Free charging is an amazing resource, but they are in high demand, so you shouldn’t rely solely on them.
Order a free charge card
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/5c979c3541/sr_icon-yellow-288.png){kind=icon}
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/0eb1ed8168/sr_icon-yellow-273.png){kind=icon}
Step 2.
Go to the "Charge card" section of your account and order your free card.
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/9edf938edf/sr_icon-yellow-231.png){kind=icon}
Step 3.
Activate it in the "Charge card" section of your account. You are ready to charge.
Shell Recharge charge card
The Shell Recharge card is free to order and offers access to over 10,000 public EV charging points across the UK, and a total of 300,000 across Europe. Swipe and charge wherever you go. To get yours, go into the Shell Recharge app, and click “order charge card”. It will be sent straight away to your registered address and should arrive within 5 working days. Once you receive it, you need to activate it in the app.
Are you an EV driver with lots to say?
We are looking for people like you to take part in our research group. The information you will share about being an EV driver is invaluable in helping us to improve. As such, if you do participate in the research, you will receive a gift from us to say thanks, we appreciate you!
Questions about the Shell Recharge network?
Contact a member of our team, by emailing customerservice@shellrecharge.com or call us on: +442038681036. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, read our frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Charging at Shell Recharge costs £0.55 per kWh for Fast AC charging, £0.79 per kWh for Shell Recharge Rapid chargers and £0.85 per kWh for Shell Recharge Ultra-rapid chargers, and there's no subscription. Find an estimate for your total session cost, and charge time for your vehicle in the Shell Recharge app.
Check out more detailed information about public charging tariffs here.
To get your free Shell Recharge card, go into the Shell Recharge app, and click “order charge card” in the charge card section of your account. It will be sent straight away to your registered address and should arrive within 5 working days. Once you receive it, you need to activate it in the app.
Learn about Shell Recharge charge card here.
Shell Recharge offers access to over 10,000 public EV charging points across the UK, including over 140 Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging points on our UK forecourts. We plan to grow our public EV charging network to 100,000 by 2030. This means that 90% of all UK drivers will be within a 10-minute drive of a Shell rapid charger. You can check out all of our charge point operators here.
The Shell Recharge app and charge card give you access to a network of over 395 charge point operators across Europe . Click here for a full list.
Our fast chargers, either 7kW or 22kW, will take around 3-4 hours to fully charge, these can usually be found in car parks, supermarkets, leisure centres. Our 50kW DC chargers can typically charge from 0-80% in approximately 30 minutes, and the 150kW ultra rapid chargers can deliver power up to three times faster than that.
You can of course pay-as-you-go with a contactless card for the charge that you use.
However, to make the experience as seamless as possible, we do recommend that you download and use the Shell Recharge app for your charging. This way, you do not need to worry about payment every time you plug in. Rather, you will just receive one bill per month for all the energy you have consumed.
You will receive the consolidated invoice for all the charge you have used towards the end of the billing cycling. This will be charged to the payment method that is registered to your account.
Depending on the situation, please seek help through the following channels:
- Issue with the Shell Recharge charge/app: contact Shell Recharge by calling their service desk (available 24/7) on +44 203 868 1036 or send an email to customerservice@shellrecharge.com.
- Issue with a charge point at a Shell retail station: contact Allego by calling their service hotline (available 24/7) on 0800 02 94 601;
- Issue with a 3rd party charge point operator: contact the operator as mentioned on the charge point