Best UK Cities for EV Charging in 2025 | AvailableCar

As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, the demand for accessible, affordable, and efficient charging infrastructure has never been higher. 

To determine the best city overall for EV charging, Available Car analysed the number of charging points per 10,000 people within a 5-mile radius of each city centre. They also examined the average cost and time required to charge half an EV battery.

Our analysis revealed that some cities are far better prepared for the rise of electric vehicles than others. By examining the latest data, we identified the locations most equipped to support the transition to EVs. 

If you're visiting Cambridge and need to charge your EV, be prepared for a hefty bill. The city tops the list as the most expensive place for EV charging, with drivers paying an average of £45.52 per charge. This figure is significantly more expensive than the national average and more than £16 (56%) higher than the second most expensive city. 

While Cambridge has made strides to create a more sustainable city, the steep cost of charging through public infrastructure could be a barrier for drivers looking to make the switch to electric in the area. 

Coming in second is Wakefield, where the average cost to charge an EV sits at £29.39. While considerably more affordable than Cambridge, Wakefield’s prices are still among the highest in the country.

Southend-on-Sea ranks third, with an average charging cost of £29.05. Located in the East of England, the coastal city also ranked relatively low for charger availability within a 5-mile radius of the city centre. With just 3.8 charging points per 10,000 people, drivers visiting Southend-on-Sea not only face high costs but also the likelihood of longer wait times to charge up.

The research also revealed a clear regional trend, with the East of England emerging as the most expensive area in the UK for EV charging. Four of the top 10 priciest cities to charge an EV,  Cambridge, Southend-on-Sea, Colchester, and St Albans, are all located in this region. This concentration highlights a significant affordability gap for EV drivers in the East, where charging costs are consistently higher than in many other parts of the country. For those without access to home charging for example renters or those living in flats, these elevated prices could present a major obstacle to embracing EVs, undermining national efforts to encourage cleaner, greener transport.

In fact, 8 out of the 10 most expensive cities in the UK now charge drivers more than £25 just to top up half an EV battery,  a cost that’s raising concerns about the financial accessibility of electric vehicle ownership. For many drivers, that means paying upwards of £50 for a full charge, making EV running costs significantly higher than expected in these areas. As the country continues to encourage a shift away from petrol and diesel, these high charging prices could act as a barrier for those considering the switch — especially in regions where public charging is the only option.

Leicester takes the top spot as the most affordable city in the UK for EV charging, with drivers paying just £12.60 on average to charge half their battery, less than a third of the cost in the most expensive city, Cambridge. 

In second place is Leeds, where the average price comes in at £15.84, offering excellent value for drivers in Yorkshire and the Humber. As one of the UK’s major metropolitan hubs, this relatively low cost is a positive sign for urban EV drivers who rely on public infrastructure. For residents and visitors alike, Leeds offers a more budget-friendly environment for EV ownership compared to many other large cities across the country.

Peterborough follows closely behind in third, with an average cost of £16.10. Not only is Peterborough among the cheapest cities for EV charging, but it also ranks highly for charger availability, making it one of the most cost-effective and convenient cities in the UK for EV owners.

Wakefield is the leader in fast EV charging, with an average charging time of just 0.80 hours (about 48 minutes) to top up half a battery. This impressive speed makes it one of the most convenient cities for EV drivers, especially those with limited time. With rapid charging stations available and the local infrastructure supporting quick power-ups, Wakefield stands out as a city where EV owners can get back on the road in record time, making it an attractive option for drivers looking for efficiency and ease.

Coming in second, Southend-on-Sea offers a charging time of 1.29 hours (just under 1.5 hours) to charge half an EV battery. While not as fast as Wakefield, Southend-on-Sea’s speed still puts it ahead of many other cities, providing a relatively quick turnaround for drivers. As a coastal city with increasing numbers of tourists and commuters, the availability of rapid charging options helps ensure that EV drivers can charge up quickly without long waits, keeping the city in a strong position as EV infrastructure continues to grow.

Doncaster takes third place with an average charging time of 1.91 hours (1 hour and 55 minutes) to charge half a battery. While it may take a little longer compared to Wakefield and Southend-on-Sea, Doncaster’s efficient charging system still provides a relatively quick solution for drivers. 

Leicester tops the list as the slowest city to charge an EV, with an average charging time of 8.25 hours (8 hours and 15 minutes) to charge half a battery. This significantly long wait time could be a major inconvenience for EV owners, particularly those relying on public charging stations while out and about. 

The city’s slower charging infrastructure highlights the need for investment in faster chargers to support the growing demand for electric vehicles. Without quicker charging options, Leicester may face challenges in encouraging more drivers to switch to electric.

Brighton & Hove ranks second for the slowest charging times, with an average of 6.24 hours (6 hours and 14 minutes) required to charge half a battery. While the city is known for its eco-friendly initiatives and progressive green policies, the slower charging speeds could deter potential EV buyers or create frustration for current owners. 

Given its popularity as a tourist destination and its commitment to sustainability, it’s surprising to see such a slow average charging time.

Portsmouth is in third place for slow EV charging, with an average time of 5.67 hours (5 hours and 40 minutes) to charge half a battery. While the city offers a solid network of charging stations with plenty available per 10,000 people, the slow recharge rate may be a disadvantage for EV drivers on tight schedules or those relying on quick, convenient charging. 

Having plenty of affordable and efficient charging points is great, but if there aren't enough to keep up with the growing number of EV drivers, you could still end up waiting in line to power up. So which cities have the most and least charging points per 10,000 people?

Ripon takes the top spot as the UK city with the highest number of EV chargers per 10,000 people within a five-mile radius of the city centre, boasting an impressive 63.1 chargers.

Salisbury follows in second place with 43.7 chargers, offering strong EV infrastructure in the South West. 

In third is Ely, located in the East of England, with 38.0 chargers per 10,000 people, highlighting how smaller cities are leading the way in accessible electric vehicle charging.

Smaller cities are leading the charge when it comes to electric vehicle infrastructure. Ripon, Salisbury, and Ely, each with relatively modest populations claim the top three spots for the most EV chargers per 10,000 people within a five-mile radius of the city centre. 

The South West stands out as a regional leader, with three cities in the top 10: Salisbury, Wells, and Truro. Only one major city, Coventry, makes the list, showing that EV charger density is currently strongest in smaller, more localised areas.

Liverpool ranks as the UK city with the fewest EV chargers per 10,000 people within a five-mile radius of the city centre, with just 2.0 chargers available. 

It’s followed by Newcastle-upon-Tyne (2.4) and Bradford (2.6), highlighting a clear gap in EV infrastructure across parts of the North. 

Despite being large urban centres, cities like Birmingham and Bristol also make the bottom 10, indicating that size doesn’t always equate to better EV support.