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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.
You can always find the actual price in the Shell Recharge app.
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 | Contactless/QR code |
| Fast (7-22kW) | £0.79/kWh | £0.79/kWh |
| Rapid (25-150kW) | £0.69-£0.93/kWh* | £0.69-£0.93/kWh* |
| Ultra-rapid (150kW+) | £0.69-£0.93/kWh* | £0.69-£0.93/kWh* |
| Roaming Network | ||
| Fast (7-22kW) | £0.75/kWh | |
| Rapid (25-150kW) | £0.85/kWh | |
| Other | ||
| ubitricity | £0.54/kWh | |
| On-street (5kW) 4pm-7pm | £0.85/kWh** | |
| On-street (5 kW) 7pm-4pm | £0.49/kWh | |
*Prices for DC charging on the Shell Recharge network will depend on location – check the payment terminal at the charge post for current pricing at your chosen location.
**3 hour peak window
Pricing updates and offers
Ubitricity has rebranded to Shell Recharge. From the 8th of April, you no longer pay a transaction fee on Shell Recharge AC charge points (previously branded as ubitricity).While we are working on finalising the technical integration of these charge points into the Shell Recharge app, when using your Shell Recharge card or app on these charge points, you pay a standard rate and (off) peak rates do not apply.
How do EV charging prices work?
Charging prices can vary significantly, as each charge point operator can choose their own billing model. In the UK, it's most common to be charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for your EV charging. This means you pay for the exact amount of energy you use. Some operators charge a blocking fee next to the kWh charged.
To improve pricing transparency, Shell Recharge applies standardised tariffs on all UK charge points in our (Shell Recharge) network. This ensures a fixed rate per kWh for AC and DC charging. You can find the specific tariffs for AC and DC charge points in the Shell Recharge app.
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.
Shell Recharge EV charging prices
When you plug in to charge, using a shell Recharge card or the app, along with the transaction fee (see above), you will pay 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). Plus there can be an optional blocking fee charge (see more on blocking fees)
When you charging using a credit card or QR-payment on our roaming network (so non Shell Recharge charge points) you will pay the tariff set by that Charge Point Owner (CPO).
Unlock the Shell Recharge charging network
- With the Shell Recharge card and app, you can charge at Shell forecourts, plus get access to any of the other 700,000 charge points in the Shell Recharge network.
Transaction fees
You will not pay a transaction fee when charging at Shell Recharge operated charge points and using the Shell Recharge app and charge card as a payment method (includes forecourts, Waitrose and at selected Aldi destination sites*). 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.
Transaction fees
| Charge Point Type | Transaction fee |
|---|---|
| Shell Recharge - owned and operated- (incl. Waitrose and selected Aldi destination sites) | No fee |
| Community by Shell Recharge | £0.35 |
| Roaming network | £0.35 |
What is a Shell operated charge point?
What is a community by Shell Recharge charge point?
Shell Recharge have a new relationship with Aldi whereby we are installing DC chargers at Aldi locations across the UK. We are not charging a transaction fee to our customers, therefore at following sites you will not pay a fee:
- Aldi Scartho Top: Matthew Telford Park, DN33 3ER, Grimsby
- Aldi Mansfield: Leeming Lane South, Mansfield Woodhouse, NG19 9BG, Mansfield
- Aldi Deal: 5 West St, Deal, CT14 6FN, Kent
- Aldi Chapel en le Frith: Foresters Way, Chapel-en-le-Frith, High Peak, SK23 0RB
- Aldi Cambuslang: School Avenue, Cambuslang, Glasgow, G72 8PJ
- Aldi Mill Lane: Mill Lane, Welshpool, SY21 7BL, Welshpool
- Aldi Holliers Walk: Hollier's Walk, Hinckley LE10 1QW, Leicester
Blocking fees
For drivers using Source London charge points, a blocking fee applies. 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.
So what do I pay for charging?
- For the Shell Recharge network you just pay for the energy you use, £0.79 per kWh.
- If charging on our roaming network you pay a transaction fee and for the energy you use, £0.35 + £0.85 per kWh.
- If using Source London charge points, a blocking fee could also apply
Use the app for EV price 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
- Fast (AC) charging will fulfil most of your daily charging needs. You can rely on this type of charging to fill your battery sufficiently whilst costing you less. This is great for when you're out shopping or stopping off for longer periods.
- Rapid and ultra-rapid (DC) charging is the fastest way to charge your electric vehicle and perfect for those journeys when you need to get back on the road quickly.
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.
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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 selected Aldi). View which Aldi sites are exempt above.
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 the United Kingdom 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 will 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, no money will be taken. You'll only make your first payment when you plug into charge.
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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.