Public Charging

Learn how public charging works, what it costs, and whether it fits your lifestyle.

 

What is public charging?

Public charging lets you charge your car while you’re out and about. You’ll find chargepoints in places you already go, like supermarkets, car parks and motorway services.

There are over 110,000 public chargepoints across the UK, and more are being added all the time. So you’re rarely far from somewhere to top up.

Motability Go Charge

Called ‘Go Charge’ for short our card and app give you access to over 58,000 public chargepoints from over 40 different operators. That’s over half of all chargepoints in the UK.  

It allows you to add a credit or debit card and pay for charging without worrying about pre-authorisation or downloading other apps.  While we don't currently offer discounts  - you'll never pay more than the operator’s ‘pay as you go’ tariff.

 

Explore Go Charge
Using Go Charge card

Worried there are not enough chargepoints near you?

Whether you’re making short trips or travelling further, public charging is more available than you might think.

Use our map to see what’s near you and plan your journeys with confidence.

 

Accessibility of public charging

2/3 of Scheme customers say they had a positive experience using public chargepoints*.

Everyone's needs are different. A public charger might work for one person, but not another. We want to help you find one that’s right for you. 

That's why we are working with chargepoint operators to collect accessibility information about their locations. This includes things like space to get in and out of your vehicle, and whether there are disabled toilets available.

Some chargepoint operators are designing their chargepoints with accessibility in mind.

4.5/5*

Fastned

"All Fastned charging points are easily accessible and easy to use"

4.2/5*

IONITY

"An easily accessible charging station which is well kept and lit"

4.2/5*

MFG EV

"This was my first time charging. it was great, simple and easy to use"

4.1/5*

Osprey

"Easy charging and close to facilities"

*Based on customer reviews of using public chargepoints from 2022 to 2025, where customers rated their experience and shared feedback.

Explore how disabled drivers use public chargepoints in real life. 

Cost of public charging

It costs around £20.94* per session to public charge. 

You can visit our cost page to compare petrol and electric running costs. Use the cost calculator to estimate how much you might pay.
Choose mostly or fully public charging to get a more accurate estimate.
*Average figure, from Go with the Motability Scheme app.

We make public charging simpler

GWTMS
For all EV drivers on the Scheme

Go app and card

With the Go app, you can access more than 65,000 public chargepoints across the UK, all in one place.

We’ve designed it to help you use public charging with confidence, with clearer pricing and helpful tools so you can easily stay in control.

  
BP Pulse Charging Points
For EV drivers on the Scheme without home charging

Helping you get better value

We partner with chargepoint operators to get you lower rates when you charge away from home.

If you cannot have a home chargepoint, you’ll get access to discounted rates on the bp pulse network right now.

  

What it's like to rely on public charging

Hear from other Motability Scheme customers

Could an EV work for you, even without a home charger?

  • Many Scheme drivers use public charging every day and have a good experience.
  • Chargepoints are widely available, though access can vary depending on where you are.
  • Everyone’s accessibility needs are different. We’re working to make it easier for you to find chargepoints that suit your needs, with clearer information and feedback from other customers.
  • We make public charging simpler. You can use the Go app and get support like discounted rates on the bp pulse network.

See what EVs are available on the Scheme