About Author
Sofia Modiri Dockery
I research and write blogs on what’s happening in the EV-world.
Electric vehicles are a common sight, but there is still a lot of confusion around them. Before you make the switch (or shrug it off completely), let’s bust some common misconceptions and get real about what owning an EV actually looks like in the UK right now. From charging costs to government grants to the state of the charging network, let’s get into it.
Misconception #1: “There Aren’t Enough Charge points”
It used to feel true, slow chargers only in town centres, rapid chargers hard to find on long trips, rural gaps, etc. But the charging network in the UK has grown massively.
As of January 2026, there are over 87,000 public charging points across the UK, spread over more than 44,000 locations with over 121,000 connectors, and those numbers are growing fast as EV adoption increases.
That includes:
- Local on-street chargers
- Destination chargers (shops, car parks, hotels)
- Rapid and ultra-rapid chargers (for even quicker top-ups)
The infrastructure is expanding, and for most people, everyday charging isn’t a problem, especially if you can also charge at home or work.
Misconception #2: “Charging is Slow Everywhere”
Charging speeds vary a lot depending on the setup:
- Slow chargers: 1.4kW (3-pin plug) to 7kW (wall box) – for overnight or long stops
- Fast chargers: 7Kw to 22Kw – for grocery trips, daytime top‐ups
- Rapid chargers: 50kW to 100kW
- Ultra-rapid chargers: 100kW to 350kW – both great for motorway legs
There’s been a huge expansion of rapid and ultra-rapid points, thousands more in 2025, so longer journeys are far more feasible than they were a few years ago.
However, rapid chargers still make up a smaller portion of the total number, so if you only rely on public infrastructure and need fast charging often, location still matters.
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Misconception #3: “EVs Are Just Too Expensive”
Many EVs still have higher purchase prices than many petrol or diesel cars, but orders of savings are shifting fast:
- Running costs are generally lower, electricity is cheaper than petrol per mile, and maintenance tends to cost less too.
- Government grants are a huge help for many buyers.
Grants & Support
The UK government offers:
- Grants on selected electric cars to reduce their price by up to £3,500
- Home charge point grants, covering a significant portion of the cost to install a charger at home.
- Workplace Charging Scheme, which gives businesses (and some charities/public sector bodies) grant funding toward installing EV chargers at workplace sites.
- LEVI Fund supports local authorities to roll out more chargers in areas that need them most.
If you’re a homeowner or business thinking of installing a charger, check eligibility on GOV.UK.
Misconception #4: “Public Charging Prices Are Cheaper Than Home”
Truth is, home charging is usually the cheapest option, especially overnight with an Economy tariff or smart meter.
On the other hand, public chargers vary widely in price. Sometimes they’re comparable, sometimes not, and you can pay premiums for rapid charging at motorway services.
There is progress, though: new regulations are pushing clearer pricing and improved reliability, so you aren’t hit with surprise costs at a connector.
For more information on home charging, check out our article: “Home charging in 2026: what UK drivers need to know”
Employers Introducing the Scheme
Employees Going Green
The Big Picture: Charging Access Across the UK
Urban centres like London have high amounts of chargers per square mile, strong Rapid charging networks, and higher utilisation (London alone makes up ~20% of public charging sessions).
More rural or remote areas tend to fall behind due to fewer points per head of population, and less Rapid coverage in some spots.
Government and local shemes do try to support expansion in these areas, but geographic disparities still exist. For EV drivers in the countryside or smaller towns, planning longer journeys often still means plotting where chargers are.
Final Thoughts- Should You Switch To An EV Now?
Yes, and now it should make sense for you to make the switch!
The landscape has changed. The charging infrastructure is vast and still growing, grants make ownership far more affordable, and running costs are lower in many real-world cases!
It may not be perfect; prices at public chargers vary, whilst some parts of the UK still need better coverage. But there are simple ways to get around these issues!
At the end of the day, going electric isn’t about fear or guesses, it’s about understanding the real trade-offs and opportunities. And on balance? For many drivers in the UK, EVs already make a ton of sense. Ready to jump into electric motoring?
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