How to pay for EV Charging in the UK: Apps, contactless & RFID explained

One of the most common questions from new EV drivers is simply: "How do I actually pay for public charging?" It's a fair question, mainly if you're used to the straightforward process of paying at a petrol pump.

The good news? Public EV charging payment is straightforward once you understand your options. In the UK, you've got three main ways to pay, and Zest supports all of them. This guide explains each method, shows when to use each option, and helps you choose the one that best suits your needs.

Whether you prefer mobile apps, contactless cards, or RFID fleet cards, you're covered.

How to Pay for EV Charging: Your Three Options

Let's break down each payment method in detail. They all work reliably, but each has specific advantages depending on your situation.

Option 1: Network Apps (Recommended)

Mobile apps are the most popular way to pay for public charging, and for good reasons. Here's how the process works and why you should use it.

How app payment works:

The process is simple and takes seconds once you're set up. Download the network's app (like the Zest app), add your payment card to your account, and you're ready. When you arrive at a charger, either scan the QR code on the unit or select the charger manually in the app. Charging starts automatically, and payment processes when your session ends.

Why choose app payment:

Apps typically offer the best pricing per kilowatt-hour. Networks reward app users with preferential rates because it reduces their transaction costs. You also get real-time session monitoring, which means you can see exactly how much energy you're receiving and how much it's costing whilst you're away from your vehicle.

The charging history feature is invaluable. Every session is logged with full details, including date, location, energy delivered, and cost. If you need VAT receipts for business use or mileage claims, you can download them instantly from your charging history—no need to search through email or bank statements.

Finding available chargers before you travel can save you significant time. The app displays real-time availability at Zest's charging station locations across the UK, allowing you to plan your route around working chargers. Auto top-up options ensure you never run out of credit mid-charge. If you encounter any issues, you can report them directly through the app for immediate attention.

Zest app-specific benefits:

The Zest app offers competitive pricing across our extensive network of over 1,300 charging locations. You get instant VAT receipts designed for business use, with all the details HMRC requires. Integration with Octopus Electroverse gives you access to over 1 million chargers worldwide through a single platform.

Track your monthly charging spend to understand your running costs. Set up automatic account top-ups to avoid being caught off guard.

When to use the app: Regular EV drivers, business users needing receipts, and anyone wanting the best prices and complete control over their charging sessions.

Option 2: Contactless Payment

Contactless payment eliminates the need for app downloads or account setup. It's the most straightforward option for many drivers, especially those new to public charging.

How contactless payment works:

Simply tap your contactless-enabled card, phone, or smartwatch on the payment reader on the charger unit. The screen will display available sockets—select your cable number if prompted. Charging begins automatically within seconds. Payment processes occur at the end of your session, although you'll first see a pre-authorisation hold (more on that below).

Why use contactless:

No app download is required, which appeals to drivers who prefer not to install multiple apps on their phones. It works with any contactless card or device—your debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or even contactless smartwatches. Perfect for one-off charging when you're away from your usual area.

There's no account setup required and no need to remember login details. You can start charging within seconds of arriving at the charger unit.

Important to know about pre-authorisation:

This is the most common source of confusion, so let's be transparent about how it works. When you tap your card, a temporary hold (typically £30-50) will appear on your bank statement. This is a pre-authorisation hold—not the actual charge.

The hold ensures you have sufficient funds and protects against drivers who might otherwise drive off without paying their bill. Within 3-5 working days (usually faster), the hold is released, and only the actual charging cost is taken from your account. You're never charged both amounts—the hold simply drops off once the real transaction processes.

Contactless pricing may be higher per kilowatt-hour than app rates. This reflects the higher transaction costs networks pay for card processing. Your receipt is available through the Zest receipts portal.

Zest contactless features:

All Zest rapid and ultra-rapid chargers accept contactless payment. Clear on-screen instructions guide you through the process. VAT receipts are available via zest.uk.com/receipts using your email address—business users get the documentation they need without downloading an app.

When to use contactless: First-time charging, when you've forgotten your phone, if you prefer not to use apps, or for occasional public charging.

Option 3: RFID Cards and Fleet Accounts

RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) cards offer a middle ground between apps and contactless payments. They're particularly popular with fleet drivers and those who charge regularly across multiple networks.

How RFID payment works:

Register with a charging network or roaming service provider. They'll send you an RFID card in the post (usually within 5-7 days). When you arrive at a compatible charger, tap your card on the reader, just as you would with contactless payment. Charging starts automatically. Billing goes to your account monthly, with consolidated invoices showing all your charging sessions.

Popular RFID options in the UK:

Several major roaming services work across multiple networks including Zest. Octopus Electroverse cards work at hundreds of networks and give you access to over 1 million chargers worldwide. Allstar fleet cards provide comprehensive fleet charging solutions with detailed reporting. 

The roaming approach means one card works at multiple charging networks. You're not limited to a single provider's infrastructure.

Why use RFID:

One physical card gives you access to multiple networks without juggling different apps. Fleet managers appreciate the consolidated monthly billing and detailed reporting for expense management. You don't need your phone—the card lives in your wallet or vehicle. Monthly invoices simplify accounting and expense claims.

Zest compatibility:

Zest chargers work with major RFID roaming services. Octopus Electroverse cards are accepted across our network. Allstar fleet cards provide seamless access for business drivers. We're part of open-access roaming agreements that prioritise interoperability.

When to use RFID: Fleet drivers, those who prefer physical cards over apps, drivers who regularly charge across multiple networks, or anyone wanting consolidated monthly billing.

What You'll Pay and How It's Calculated

Understanding EV charging pricing helps you budget effectively and choose the correct charging speed for your needs. The pricing structure is simpler than it might first appear.

How is charging priced?

UK charging is primarily priced per kilowatt-hour (kWh)—similar to how you buy litres of petrol. This is the fairest method because you pay for the energy you receive. Some older chargers use per-minute pricing, though this is increasingly uncommon as it penalises vehicles with slower charging capabilities.

Pricing varies by charging speed because faster chargers require more expensive infrastructure. The equipment for a 150kW ultra-rapid charger costs significantly more than a 7kW fast charger. Electricity demand charges from the grid are also higher for rapid chargers.

Some locations offer time-of-day pricing, with cheaper rates during off-peak hours. This reflects lower electricity costs during periods of reduced demand on the national grid.

Typical UK pricing (2025):

Here's what you can expect to pay across different charging speeds:

These are industry averages. Specific prices vary by location, network, and time of day.

Zest pricing advantages:

Transparency is fundamental to our pricing approach. The Zest app displays the exact price at each location before you start charging—no surprises. Our rates are competitive across the network, and app users receive the best pricing. There are no membership fees to access our chargers and no connection fees to plug in.

Cost comparison example:

Let's work through a real-world example. A typical EV with a 60kWh battery charging from 20% to 80% requires 36kWh of energy (60% of battery capacity). At £0.60 per kWh, this costs £21.60. That 36kWh typically delivers 150-200 miles of range, depending on your vehicle and driving style.

Compare this to a petrol equivalent: 200 miles at 40mpg requires 5 gallons (22.7 litres). At £1.40 per litre, that's £31.80—roughly 50% more expensive than electric charging.

Where to check pricing:

The Zest app shows current prices at each location. ZapMap's price comparison tool enables you to compare costs across various networks. Network websites typically publish their standard pricing, although app pricing is often more competitive. The Government's advice on electric vehicles includes information on public charging costs and comparisons of home charging.

Accessing Receipts and VAT Documentation

Obtaining proper receipts is essential for business users, and Zest makes the process straightforward, regardless of the payment method.

For app users:

Every charging session is automatically added to your charging history with a full receipt. Download receipts directly from the app in PDF format—they include all VAT details HMRC requires. You can also have receipts emailed automatically after each session. The full VAT breakdown shows the energy cost, VAT amount, and total paid.

For contactless users:

Visit zest.uk.com/receipts and enter either the email address you provided at checkout or your transaction details. Download your VAT receipt in PDF format. All sessions are available, whether you're a one-time user or regular contactless customer.

Why receipt access matters:

Business mileage claims require detailed receipts showing the cost, date, and location of each charge. Company car drivers need receipts to claim charging reimbursement from their employer. Fleet management reporting depends on accurate charging documentation. Self-employed drivers need proper tax records for their business expenses.

The Zest advantage:

We've designed simple receipt access for all payment methods. Many networks make this unnecessarily complicated, requiring account creation even for contactless users. At Zest, if you've charged with us, you can get your receipt—it's that straightforward.

Business users particularly appreciate our VAT receipt format. It's designed specifically for UK accounting requirements and includes everything you need for expense claims.

Common Payment Issues and Simple Solutions

Even straightforward systems occasionally throw up questions. Here are the most common payment issues and how to resolve them quickly.

"My contactless payment was declined"

Several simple fixes usually resolve this. Check your card hasn't expired—it's easy to do. Ensure you have sufficient funds, as the pre-authorisation hold (typically £30-50) is applied immediately, even if the actual charge is less. Try a different card if you have one available. As a backup, download the Zest app and pay that way instead.

"I've been charged twice"

You almost certainly haven't. What you're seeing is the pre-authorisation hold plus the pending actual charge on your bank statement. Both amounts appear temporarily, but only one is actually taken from your account. The pre-authorisation hold is released within 3-5 working days, leaving only the actual charging cost.

If you're still seeing both charges after five working days, contact Zest support at customersupport@zest.uk.com with your transaction details. We'll investigate and promptly resolve any genuine billing errors.

"The charge is more than I expected"

Check which charging speed you actually used—the charger label shows its maximum power output. If you plug into an ultra-rapid charger thinking it's a fast charger, the per-kWh rate will be higher. Some chargers switch to per-minute pricing if you stay connected beyond a time limit (this encourages drivers to free up chargers once charging is complete).

Idle fees apply if you leave your vehicle plugged in after charging has finished. These typically start 5-10 minutes after your session ends and are designed to keep chargers available for other drivers.

"The app won't let me start charging"

Check you have sufficient credit or a valid payment card on file. Your account needs enough balance to cover the pre-authorisation amount. Ensure you've selected the correct charger number and socket—it's easy to tap the wrong one in the app. Check your phone has a mobile signal—the app needs connectivity to communicate with the charger.

If problems persist, use contactless payment as a backup method. 

"I can't find my receipt"

App users should check the charging history section—receipts are always available here. Contactless users can visit the receipts portal with their email or card details. If you still can't locate your receipt, contact Zest support with the approximate date, time, and location of your charge. We'll retrieve your transaction details and send you the receipt directly.

Choosing the Right Payment Method for You

Different drivers have different preferences and requirements. Here's a quick guide to help you decide which payment method best suits your situation.

Use the Zest app if you:

Charge regularly at public charging stations and want the most cost-effective rates. Need VAT receipts for business expense claims or mileage reimbursement, like tracking your charging spending and monitoring your EV running costs. Want to find available chargers and plan your route before travelling. Appreciate having complete control over your charging sessions from your phone.

Use contactless if you:

You're charging at a public station for the first time and want the simplest possible experience. Prefer not to download apps for services you use occasionally. Only charge at public stations occasionally—perhaps once or twice a month. Forgot your phone or it's run out of battery. Just want something quick and simple without account setup.

Use RFID/fleet cards if you:

Drive a company vehicle and need fleet management reporting. Want one physical card that works across multiple charging networks. Prefer monthly consolidated billing rather than individual transactions. Need detailed fleet charging reports for accounting or tax purposes, like having a backup payment method that doesn't require your phone.

The balanced approach:

Download the Zest app for your regular charging—you'll get better pricing and more features. But know that contactless payment is always available as a backup if you've forgotten your phone or your battery has died. You're never stuck without a payment option.

Why Zest's Payment Flexibility Matters

Payment shouldn't be a barrier to charging your electric vehicle. That's why Zest has designed our payment system to accommodate every driver's preferences.

What makes Zest different:

Multiple payment options are available at every single charger in our network. We don't force app downloads—contactless payment works at all our rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. Our pricing is completely transparent with no hidden fees, membership charges, or connection costs. Receipt access is straightforward for all payment methods, whether you're an app user or contactless customer.

Integration with major platforms means Zest chargers work seamlessly with Octopus Electroverse and Allstar fleet cards. You get reliable payment processing backed by established financial systems. UK-based support is available if you encounter any payment issues—we're here to help resolve problems quickly.

Our payment philosophy:

Different drivers have different needs. Some prefer the efficiency and features of mobile apps. Others value the simplicity of tapping their card. Fleet drivers need consolidated billing and detailed reporting. All approaches are valid, and Zest supports each one correctly.

This flexibility matters because EV charging should be as straightforward as using a petrol station. We're removing barriers to EV adoption by ensuring payment is never complicated, regardless of which method you choose.

Real driver benefits:

Business users get properly formatted VAT receipts regardless of payment method. First-time EV drivers can charge successfully using just their contactless card. App users benefit from competitive pricing and comprehensive session management. Fleet drivers access consolidated billing and detailed reporting for their operations.

Our partnership with Octopus Electroverse demonstrates our commitment to interoperability. We're part of the solution that makes UK-wide EV charging accessible and straightforward.

Getting Started with Zest Charging

Ready to experience how straightforward EV charging payment can be? Here's how to get set up.

Download the Zest app for the best experience. It's available on iOS and Android, and setting up your account takes just a few minutes. Add your payment card, and you're ready to charge at any of our 1,300+ locations across the UK.

Set up your payment method in advance. Whether you're choosing app payment or planning to use contactless, it's worth familiarising yourself with the process before you need to charge in a hurry. Take two minutes at home to download the app or ensure your contactless card is working correctly.

Find your nearest Zest location. Our location finder shows all available chargers with real-time availability—filter by charging speed to find exactly what you need for your journey. Check pricing at each location before you travel.

Read our complete charging guide. If you're new to public charging, our guide on how to use EV charging stations walks through the entire process step by step. It covers everything from parking and plugging in to monitoring your session and disconnecting safely.

Bookmark the receipts page. Business users should save zest.uk.com/receipts to their favourites. You can access VAT receipts for any charging session, whether you used the app or contactless payment.

Know that help is available. If you encounter any payment issues, contact Zest support through the app, call our support line at 0800 865 4245 or email customersupport@zest.uk.com. We're here to ensure your charging experience is smooth and straightforward.

The UK's public charging infrastructure continues to expand rapidly. Government initiatives, such as Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funding, are supporting network expansion, while private investment is delivering thousands of new chargers each year.

Zest is part of this expansion, backed by the government-sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund. We're working with local authorities and commercial partners to deploy charging infrastructure where it's needed most—making EV ownership practical for everyone.

Payment is just one piece of the charging experience, but it's an important one. With Zest, you've got genuine flexibility and transparency, whether you prefer mobile apps, contactless cards, or RFID fleet systems. Choose what works for you, and get charging.

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