How to make the most out of public charging

Most people who drive electric, charge at home - it’s usually the cheapest and easiest way to keep your car topped up.

But if you don’t have a driveway, or you’re charging away from home, public charging fills the gap. It’s now widely available across towns, cities, and motorways - and while it’s usually more expensive than home charging, a few smart choices can make a big difference to cost and convenience. - 

Here’s how to make your public charging smarter and more cost-effective.

Not every charge needs to be lightning-fast. Choosing the right charger for the situation is the easiest way to save money and make life easier.

Rapid / ultra-rapid chargers - when time matters

• Long journeys
• Motorway stops

These chargers deliver a lot of power quickly, helping you get back on the road fast.

Common rapid and ultra-rapid brands include:

• IONITY – ultra-rapid charging, typically up to 350kW
• Fastned – ultra-rapid hubs, usually up to 300kWInstaVolt – rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, commonly 50-160kW
• Osprey – rapid and high-power chargers, typically 50-175kW

Slower chargers - when you’re parked anyway

• Gyms
• Cinemas
• Coffee shops
• High streets/Supermarkets

If you’re planning to be parked for a while, slower chargers are often better value - and you’ll come back to a nicely topped-up battery without paying a premium for speed.

Common slower-speed brands include:

• Pod Point – mostly 7-22kW, ideal for destination charging
• bp pulse – also operates many 7-22kW chargers
• Evolt – wide mix, including slow and fast options

Top tip: If you use apps like Electroverse to find chargers, you can usually filter by charging speed and network, so you know exactly what you’re heading to before you arrive.

Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers are expensive to install and run. When you plug in, you’re paying for access to 150–350kW of power on demand. The electricity itself isn’t pricier.

That’s why ultra-rapid chargers usually cost more per kWh than slower public chargers.

Ultra-rapid chargers don’t stay ultra-rapid forever. As your battery fills, your car naturally slows the charging speed - usually after 50-60%, depending on the car. At that point, you’re still paying a premium price, but gaining miles more slowly. 

For a lot of drivers, the sweet spot is:

• Use ultra-rapids to get enough range to continue your journey

Finish charging later on a slower or cheaper charger (or at home)

This can help you avoid paying top-tier prices when you don’t need top-tier speed.

Electroverse helps you charge smarter:

• One app and one card for lots of networks
• Live pricing - so you can spot cheaper options nearby
• Access to discounts and “plunge pricing” when demand is low

Sometimes, EV chargepoint operators would rather sell electricity at a discount than not sell it at all - and Electroverse passes those savings on to you.

Top tip: If you're an Intelligent EV driver or an Octopus Energy customer, you can get extra discounts on Electroverse on top! 

• Fast chargers are for saving time, not money
• Slower chargers are often better value when you’re parked anyway
• Electroverse helps you find the right charger, at the right price, at the right time

Want to read more about living with your EV? Head over to our Living With Your EV Hub.