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Charging your first electric car can feel like a whole new language. Here's a straightforward guide to the apps, tariffs and basics that make it easier.
Which apps do I actually need?
You don’t need every app. Start with a charger map and your car or charger’s own app, then add others when they’re useful for the journeys you make.
Zapmap — find chargers
Look for public charge points, check connector types, prices and recent user updates. Availability and prices can change, so check before travelling.
Visit Zapmap ↗Octopus Electroverse — find and pay
A map and payment service covering participating charging networks. Check which chargers are supported and the price before starting a session; an Electroverse account is separate from your home electricity supplier.
Visit Electroverse ↗Your car’s app
Depending on your car, its manufacturer’s app may let you check battery level, schedule charging or warm the cabin before setting off. Features vary by model.
Your home charger’s app
Many smart chargers have their own app for scheduling, monitoring and controlling access. Check how it works with your car and energy tariff before setting up a schedule.
Understanding electricity tariffs.
Your tariff is the price and terms you agree with your electricity supplier. Charging at home adds electricity to your household bill.
Standard tariff
You pay according to your agreed electricity rates. It can be simple if you drive fewer miles or your household uses more power during the day.
Time-of-use or EV tariff
Some offer cheaper electricity at certain times, often overnight. Terms vary: some cheaper rates apply to the whole home; others have special arrangements for the car.
Before switching, compare the day and night unit rates, standing charge, contract terms and your whole household’s usage. Check whether a smart meter and a compatible car or charger are required. A low overnight rate does not automatically mean the cheapest overall bill.
A simple charging cost example
If your car takes 40 kWh from the electricity supply at 20.37p per kWh, the electricity costs approximately £8.15.
That's an example, not a tariff offer. Actual costs vary with the amount drawn from the supply, your rate and charging losses.
Useful independent guide: Energy Saving Trust — charging electric vehicles ↗
Using a public charger.
Find a compatible charger, check the price and follow the instructions on the unit. Payment may be by contactless card, an app, or another method depending on the charger.
Check before you plug in
Look at the connector, price per kWh, any parking or overstay fees, opening hours and whether a cable is provided.
Plan a backup
For longer journeys, check a second nearby charger in case your first choice is occupied or unavailable. Live status can be useful but isn't a guarantee.
Many public chargers accept contactless payment. UK rules require it at new public charge points of 8 kW and above deployed after 24 November 2024 and public charge points of 50 kW and above; some older, lower-powered chargers may use other payment methods. Read the government guidance ↗
Home charging costs and grants.
For a typical home chargepoint installation, Energy Saving Trust gives an indicative UK range of around £800–£1,200. Your actual installation price can be different depending on your electrical supply, cable run and choice of charger.
Read our home charger installation costs guide for the factors that affect a quotation. Some qualifying renters, flat owners, households with on-street parking and workplaces may be eligible for support; see our current grants guide for official eligibility links.
A little EV language, made simple.
kW: charging power
Think of kW as the rate at which electricity is delivered. The actual rate depends on the car, charger, battery and conditions.
kWh: energy
A kWh is an amount of electricity. Your battery’s capacity and the energy you buy are measured in kWh.
AC and DC charging
Home chargers and many public chargers use AC. Rapid public chargers typically use DC and can charge faster when the car supports it.
Charging speeds
Charging often slows as the battery fills, particularly on rapid chargers. Journey time depends on the car and conditions, not just the charger’s advertised maximum.
Different vehicles and chargers use different connectors. Check your car’s manual and the charge point details before travelling.
Get comfortable, one charge at a time.
- Familiarise yourself with your car's charging settings and connector.
- Try a local public charger before relying on one for a long journey.
- Check your home electricity tariff and any charging schedule.
- Keep an eye on cost per kWh, parking rules and your battery level.
Guide prepared October 2026. Tariffs, app features, prices and coverage change: check the provider’s current details before choosing.
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