:format(webp)/f/85281/2880x1208/c1c09b5240/public-bg.jpeg)
EV public charging tariffs
How does pricing work for public and on-the-go charging?
The cost of public charging can vary greatly, with many operators across the network using different models and prices. Charging your electric vehicle whilst out and about is a great way to top up your battery, but read the below, so you always know what to expect and which tariff is applied.
The charging tariffs below apply to the UK charging network only. You can always find the actual price in the Shell Recharge app.
As per November 1st, we have reduced our rates when charging on the Shell Recharge network using a Shell Recharge card. Paying "ad hoc" with contactless payment methods will remain the same.
What are the tariffs for charging an electric car in the UK?
| Charge Point Type | Price per kWh (incl. VAT) | |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Recharge Network | Shell Recharge Card | Ad Hoc |
| Fast (7-22kW) | £0.75/kWh | £0.79/kWh |
| Rapid (25-150kW) | £0.81/kWh | £0.85/kWh |
| Ultra-rapid (150kW+) | £0.81/kWh | £0.85/kWh |
| Roaming Network | ||
| Fast (7-22kW) | £0.65/kWh | |
| Rapid (25-150kW) | £0.85/kWh | |
| Other | ubitricity | £0.53/kWh |
Transaction fees
You will not pay a transaction fee when charging at Shell Recharge operated charge points and using the Shell Recharge app as a payment method (includes forecourts, Waitrose and Aldi). You will also not pay a transaction fee if you choose to pay "ad hoc" with a contactless payment method.
To access the roaming network, a £0.35 transaction fee, with a maximum of £7.00 per month, is charged for all successful charging sessions. Once you have reached £7.00 per billing cycle, you will not pay further transaction fees for charging in the UK. The transaction fee amount is the same regardless of how much electricity is used or how long the EV is connected to the charge point.
Shell Recharge EV charging tariffs
With the Shell Recharge card and app, you can charge at Shell forecourts, plus get access to any of the other 500,000 charge points in the Shell Recharge network.
When you plug in, along with the transaction fee (see above), the charge point operator (CPO) will also bill you for the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) you charge. So, for a standard charge session in the UK, the bill will be £0.35 + £0.85 per kWh (rapid 50 kW). In order to make pricing more transparent, all UK non Shell Recharge charge points in our roaming network apply standardised tariffs. This means one fixed tariff per kWh. Charging models vary, in some countries, such as France, you might also pay per minute. This is more similar to a phone tariff. You can read more about charging in Europe here.
Blocking fees
For drivers using Source London charge points, a blocking fee will apply from 10/07/23. A blocking fee is intended to discourage drivers from blocking charging bays once charging is complete
The blocking fee takes effect after 240 minutes. This means you have 240 minutes (4 hours) to charge your vehicle. After this, you can still charge your vehicle or stay in the parking bay but you will receive an additional charge of £0.05 per minute
You can find more information about the blocking fee by visiting the dedicated FAQs in our support centre.
How to find the best EV charging tariff via our app
You can find charging tariffs for all the charge points in our network in the Shell Recharge app. There, you can compare pricing and choose the best EV tariff for you. They can vary a lot because each charge point operator is free to decide which billing model to use. When charging your EV in the UK, it is more than likely that you will pay for your charging per kWh. That is to say, you will be charged for the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) you charge for.
However, as the network providers - such as Shell Recharge - give access to the charging stations of many partners, each setting their own prices, there is no central price in a roaming network.
Get the most competitive rates
- When using the Shell Recharge charge card on the Shell Recharge network, you benefit from more competitive charging tariffs than when charging with contactless payment methods.
Use the app for EV tariff comparison
In the Shell Recharge app, you are able to see the price per kWh - plus, minute and blocking fees where applicable - for any charge point upfront. Use the filtering options to find a charge point that meets your criteria, based on speed or connector type. The map screen in the app will show you the available charge points nearby, and their associated tariffs, so you can compare. This allows you to make an informed decision on where you’d like to charge your car and for how much, with a clear and upfront comparison.
Rapid and ultra-rapid charging
- Rapid and ultra-rapid (DC) charging is a great way to charge if you need to get back on the road quickly, but is unlikely to be a part of your daily charging routine.
- Fast (AC) charging will fulfil most of your needs, by filling your battery sufficiently and costing you less, but it will take longer.
The best way to see EV charging costs is with the Shell Recharge app
Step 1.
Check pricing in the Shell Recharge app
In the Shell Recharge app, you can find and navigate to public charge points. By selecting a charge point, you will immediately see its respective tariff.
Step 2.
Connect to the network
Shell Recharge will charge a transaction fee of £0.35 per charging session (with a maximum transaction fee capped at £7.00 per month) when you plug into to any charge point in the network.
Step 3.
Charge your EV
Once you have plugged in, begin your charge in the app or by tapping the terminal. Charge Point Operators (CPOs) will then charge you for the energy you consume. You can see the rates in the table above, but it is always best to check the exact price in the app.
Step 4.
Pay one monthly consolidated invoice
At the end of each billing cycle, you will receive an overview of all your different charging sessions, including the number of kWh charged and the duration of the charging sessions. The total costs shown consist of the tariffs plus the transaction fee from Shell Recharge. You will receive just one bill each month*, no matter how many times you plugged in.
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/49d8f5f8de/sr_icon_icon-copy-120.png){kind=icon}
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/cef2611515/sr_icon_icon-copy-165.png){kind=icon}
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/8e994ac1f8/sr_icon_icon-copy-164.png){kind=icon}
:format(webp)/f/85281/568x568/93af513d5c/sr_icon_icon-copy-158.png){kind=icon}
To access the roaming network, a £0.35 transaction fee, with a maximum of £7.00 per month, is charged for all successful charging sessions.
The transaction fee is not applied to charging sessions at Shell Recharge operated charge points that use the Shell Recharge app as a payment method (includes forecourts, Waitrose and Aldi).
You will also pay a transaction fee if you choose to pay "ad hoc" with a contactless payment method.
Plus, be aware the transaction fee “cap” applies per country. For example, once you reach 20 sessions in England you will no longer be charged a transaction fee for subsequent charge sessions. However, you will pay a transaction fee if you then charge in France in the same billing cycle.
Be aware that if you charge across different countries, you may receive multiple bills.
Do I need an EV charging subscription?
You do not need a subscription to use Shell Recharge network. In fact, the app is free to use and the card is free to order. When setting up your account in the app you will be asked to provide banking details but don't worry, you'll make your first payment when you plug into charge.
So what do I pay for charging?
- You just pay a transaction fee (if applicable) and for the energy you use
- £0.35 + £0.85 per kWh
- If using Source London charge points, a blocking fee could also apply
:format(webp)/f/85281/1210x764/e4ff0dde11/visual-article-banner.jpg)
Home electric vehicle energy tariffs
If you own an EV and have a home charging point, an electric car tariff could help you save money. Many energy suppliers offer energy tariffs aimed specifically at electric vehicle drivers, who charge at home.
A two-rate tariff has two different electricity rates based on the time of day. The rate is often determined by the demand on the grid. Unlike a flat rate, which uses the same tariff all day, “off-peak” electricity rates cost less at certain times. If you plug in and charge during these hours, which is often overnight, you can charge for less. Our charge scheduling feature is great for this type of charging and means you can even set the charge session to start whilst you are asleep.
The discounted “off-peak” rates will also apply to other appliances in the home, not just your car. This means you could save even more if you have power-hungry equipment at home, like a dishwasher and tumble dryer. Read more about home charging and the many features you may benefit from.