How to use this comparison
All prices shown are PAYG (pay-as-you-go) rates as of March–April 2026, sourced from Zapmap, network websites and fleet industry data. Member/subscription prices are shown separately where available. Ratings reflect the Zapmap 2025 annual driver satisfaction survey of thousands of UK EV drivers. Network sizes are from Zapmap data as of March 2026. Always check the network app or Zap-Map for live prices before charging, as rates change frequently.
At-a-Glance Comparison Table
Side-by-side summary — PAYG prices, key features and business suitability
| Network | Rapid/Ultra Chargers | PAYG Rate | Max Speed | No Membership? | 100% Renewable | Fleet / Business Card | Driver Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Supercharger | 1,115+ (open-to-all) | 57p/kWh | 250kW | ✓ | ✓ | Fleet Account | ★★★★★ |
| MFG EV Power | 2,838 | ~79p/kWh | 150kW+ | ✓ | Partial | Allstar / Paua | ★★★★ |
| Osprey | 2,537 | 79–82p/kWh | 300kW | ✓ | ✓ | Paua / Fleet cards | ★★★★ |
| BP Pulse | 2,502 | 89p/kWh | 150kW+ | ✓ | Partial | BP Pulse Business | ★★★ |
| InstaVolt | ~2,000+ | 87–89p/kWh | 160kW+ | ✓ | ✓ | Paua / Plugsurfing | ★★★★ |
| Gridserve | 1,500+ | 79p/kWh DC | 360kW | ✓ | ✓ | Allstar / Paua | ★★★★ |
| Ionity | ~600+ (UK) | 79p/kWh | 350kW | ✓ | ✓ | Motion / Go plans | ★★★★ |
| Pod Point | 5,000+ (all speeds) | 28–35p/kWh | 75kW | ✓ | Partial | Workplace install | ★★★★ |
Network-by-Network Breakdown
Detailed profile of each major UK rapid and ultra-rapid charging provider
~97 fully public sites
1,115+ open to non-Tesla
V3 & V4 Superchargers
Tesla offers a Fleet Account for businesses — centralised billing, VAT invoices, and fleet reporting dashboard. Tesla drivers on fleet accounts benefit from lower per-kWh rates. Non-Tesla fleet vehicles can access open sites via contactless or the Tesla app.
incl. 300 Morrisons sites
Largest in UK as of Mar 2026
Mix of 50kW–150kW
MFG accepts Allstar One Electric, Paua and fleet fuel cards across its network. Businesses can use these cards for consolidated billing and VAT invoices — useful for mixed petrol/EV fleets as some cards cover both. 68% YoY growth in 2025 means rapidly expanding coverage.
500+ more in development
50kW to 300kW
Latest hubs
Osprey accepts a range of third-party fleet and fuel cards which may offer negotiated rates. Compatible with Paua fleet card for multi-network EV fleet management. Iris fleet software platform available for operators and fleet managers needing site data.
BP forecourts + others
3rd largest in UK
50kW–150kW range
BP Pulse offers a dedicated fleet solution with consolidated monthly invoicing, VAT receipts and fleet reporting. Subscription plans reduce the per-kWh rate from 89p to 44–69p/kWh. Compatible with Allstar One Electric fleet card. BP Pulse Business is aimed at companies with multiple vehicles.
McDonald's, Starbucks, KFC
All 50kW+ (mostly 120–160kW)
Battery storage being added
InstaVolt's no-membership model suits businesses — just tap and charge. VAT receipts are available via the InstaVolt app or on request. Compatible with Paua and Plugsurfing fleet cards. The app tracks all sessions and lets fleet managers download records for expense reporting.
4 Electric Forecourts (motorway)
Up to 24 simultaneous charges
Fastest at Electric Forecourts
Gridserve accepts Allstar One Electric, Plugsurfing and Paua fleet cards. Automated VAT receipts by email for regular users. Plans to launch a dedicated fleet app. EV Gurus on-site staff at Electric Forecourts can assist fleet drivers with charging queries.
Pan-European (24 countries)
Avg 6 points per station
Fastest for long journeys
Ionity Motion and Ionity Go subscriptions are ideal for business fleets that frequently travel motorways. Pan-European access with one account is a major advantage for international fleet operators. Compatible with Plugsurfing and Paua fleet cards.
Tesco, Lidl, workplaces
75kW rapid at Tesco
Rapid at supermarkets
Pod Point is a leading workplace charging installer — businesses can have chargers installed in car parks and manage them via the Pod Point dashboard. Public network supports EDF Pod Drive home + public bundle. VAT receipts available on request for business expense claims.
Tips for Choosing the Right Network
What to consider before picking your primary charging provider
Check Coverage on Your Routes
The best network is the one that's actually where you need it. Use Zap-Map to plot your regular routes and see which providers have the most sites along the way.
Do the Maths on Memberships
BP Pulse at 89p/kWh vs 44p/kWh with subscription — if you charge 50kWh/week, that's a saving of £116/month. Ionity Go (£10.50/mo) pays for itself after just one charge session.
Reliability Over Price
A broken charger saves nothing. Tesla, Osprey and InstaVolt consistently lead on uptime. Check recent Google Maps reviews for specific locations before relying on them.
Business Fleet? Use a Fleet Card
Paua, Allstar One Electric and Plugsurfing work across multiple networks — simplifying billing, VAT and expense management for fleets rather than juggling multiple apps and accounts.
Read Google Maps Reviews
Check the specific location, not just the brand. A Shell Recharge charger in one town may be immaculate while another is consistently broken. Location-level Google Maps reviews tell the real story.
Consider Amenities for Long Trips
Gridserve Electric Forecourts and Tesla Supercharger sites at service stations offer food and toilets. A 20–30 minute charge is far more pleasant with a coffee and a seat.