The UK’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network has grown at record speed in recent years. As of 2025, there are more than 82,000 public chargepoints at over 40,000 different locations across the country. With new installations coming online every week, the infrastructure is finally starting to catch up with demand. But here’s the interesting part: despite all this growth, the vast majority of EV charging still happens at home. And for good reason.
Public Charging in the UK: A Growing Success Story
According to government statistics published in January 2025, the number of public charging devices in the UK has risen by almost 30% year on year. Ultra-rapid chargers — those capable of delivering more than 150kW of power and adding 200 miles of range in 20 minutes — now make up 11% of the network. Willow Leasing reports that this expansion has been driven by heavy investment from both the government and private companies keen to make EV adoption as seamless as possible.
The rollout has also been boosted by charging hubs at supermarkets, service stations, and retail parks — making it easier to plug in while going about daily life. Best Chargers highlights that every region in the UK is seeing growth, with London and the South East still leading the way.
The Problem with Public Charging
Despite the progress, many EV drivers will tell you that the reality of public charging can be frustrating. A Car Dealer Magazine survey revealed that 66% of drivers have experienced waits of over 10 minutes to access a charger, with average waits at 22 minutes and some reporting delays of up to two hours. Reliability is another issue — broken or out-of-service chargers remain all too common.
Costs also vary widely. While some providers charge around 50p per kWh, rapid or ultra-rapid chargers can cost double that. For high-mileage drivers, this adds up quickly.
Why Home Charging Remains the Best Option
With the limitations of public infrastructure, it’s no surprise that around 80% of all EV charging still happens at home. Home charging offers several key benefits:
- Convenience: Simply plug in overnight and wake up with a full battery every morning.
- Cost savings: Off-peak tariffs can make charging significantly cheaper than public chargers.
- Peace of mind: No queues, no broken machines, and no uncertainty.
- Control: Smart chargers allow you to schedule charging to suit your lifestyle and energy tariff.
How Smart Charging Makes the Difference
Smart chargers — now a legal requirement for new installations in the UK — are designed to maximise these benefits. They can automatically select the cheapest charging times, balance your household’s energy use, and in some cases even prepare for future technologies like Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G). This is where your car can feed energy back to the grid during peak demand, creating potential new income streams for households.
Comparing Home vs Public Charging
| Factor | Home Charging | Public Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Charge overnight at home | Requires finding an available charger |
| Cost | As low as 7p per kWh on off-peak tariffs | Typically 50p–£1 per kWh |
| Reliability | Always available at your property | Dependent on availability and maintenance |
| Time | Plug in and forget | Potential wait times and charging stops |
Case Study: A Typical UK EV Household
Consider a family that drives 10,000 miles a year. Using a home charger on an off-peak tariff, they might spend around £300–£350 on electricity. If the same family relied heavily on public ultra-rapid chargers, the annual bill could be closer to £800–£1,000. The savings alone make home charging the obvious choice.
The Role of Public Charging Going Forward
Of course, public charging still plays an essential role — particularly for those without off-street parking. As the government invests in on-street chargers and workplace solutions, accessibility will continue to improve. But for those who have the option, installing a home charger remains the most cost-effective and convenient solution.
What This Means for Mint Energy Customers
At Mint Energy, we understand that while public charging has its place, nothing beats the ease of home charging. Our range of chargers — from the Hypervolt and MyEnergi Zappi to the Ohme e-pod and Ohme Home Pro — are all smart-enabled and designed to maximise savings on your energy bills.
We also ensure that every installation complies with the latest regulations and is carried out by certified professionals. That means you can focus on enjoying your EV without the hassle of unreliable public charging.
Our Thoughts
The UK’s charging network is expanding rapidly and will continue to do so. But when it comes to cost, convenience, and peace of mind, home charging still reigns supreme. For households making the switch to electric, a smart home charger is not just an accessory — it’s an essential part of the EV experience. With Mint Energy, you can be confident that your charger is future-proof, compliant, and perfectly tailored to your needs.