Home vs public EV charging: what drivers without a driveway really pay

What changes this

• Your mileage. The gap grows with every mile, so high-mileage drivers without a driveway feel it most.
• The speed you use. Slow on-street chargers usually cost much less per kWh than rapid hubs.
• When you charge. Some networks are cheaper off-peak. Check the public charging comparison for off-peak prices.
• Subscriptions. If you charge in public a lot, a monthly plan can pay for itself. Our calculator shows when.

Tips if you can't charge at home

Supermarkets and shops

Many supermarkets, retail parks and leisure centres have chargers, and some slow ones are cheap or free while you shop. Prices and free periods change often, so check the app or the charger before you plug in, and watch out for parking time limits.

At work

Ask your employer whether they have, or would install, workplace chargers. Charging at work is often cheaper than public rapid charging. Your employer can tell you how it's treated for tax.

On-street and lamp-post charging

Many councils are adding chargers to lamp posts and kerbs. Ask your council what's planned for your street, and whether you can request one. If you're thinking about running a cable across the pavement, check your council's rules first, as many don't allow it without an approved cable channel.

Charge off-peak, little and often

Topping up on a cheap slow charger near home or work is usually cheaper than waiting until you need a rapid charge.

We don't recommend a "best buy". Prices come from the tariffs and networks we cover, not the whole market.