Best EV charging app for the UK in 2026 — find chargers fast

Volta by MRVL Technologies is a free EV charging finder app for the UK that shows nearby chargers in real time, displays live pricing, and launches turn-by-turn navigation in one tap. It covers all major UK networks including Pod Point, BP Pulse, Osprey, Gridserve, and Osprey. Whether you drive a Tesla, Nissan Leaf, or any other EV, Volta finds the right charger for your connector type before you need it.

How to find an EV charger near you with Volta

Open Volta and your current location loads instantly on a live map. Every public charging point within range appears as a pin colour-coded by speed: green for rapid (50kW+), amber for fast (7–22kW), and grey for slow (up to 3.6kW). Tap any pin to see the connector types available, current availability status, the price per kWh or per session, and the network operator. Tap Navigate and Volta hands off to Apple Maps or Google Maps for turn-by-turn directions. The whole process takes under 30 seconds.

Filter by connector type, speed, and network

Volta lets you filter the map by connector standard — CCS, CHAdeMO, Type 2, or 3-pin — so you only ever see chargers that are compatible with your vehicle. You can also filter by minimum charge speed to skip slow chargers when you need a rapid top-up on a long journey. Network filters let you focus on operators where you already hold an account or RFID card. Filters persist between sessions so you never have to reset them each time you open the app.

Live availability and price comparison across networks

One of the most common frustrations with public charging is arriving at a charger that is already occupied or out of service. Volta pulls live status data for supported networks and displays it directly on the map pin and detail screen. Where pricing data is available, Volta shows cost per kWh, per minute, or per session so you can compare two nearby chargers before you commit. For networks that require an app or RFID card, Volta links directly to the operator so you can sign up without leaving the screen.

Plan charging stops on longer UK journeys

For trips beyond your single-charge range, Volta's route planning view lets you enter a destination and see which rapid chargers sit along or close to your route. The app estimates where you will likely need to stop based on a configurable battery size and current charge level. This is particularly useful on motorway journeys where the difference between a 30-minute stop and a 10-minute top-up depends on picking the right charger before you set off. Volta works across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Frequently asked questions

Is Volta free to download and use?
Yes. Volta is free to download on iOS. Finding chargers, checking live availability, and navigating to a station all cost nothing. A Pro subscription unlocks advanced route planning and offline maps.
Which EV charging networks does Volta cover in the UK?
Volta covers all major UK public charging networks including Pod Point, BP Pulse, Osprey, Gridserve, Ubitricity, Charge Place Scotland, and over 30 additional operators. Coverage updates automatically as new chargers are installed.
Does Volta show real-time charger availability?
Yes, for networks that publish live status data. Volta displays whether each charger point is available, in use, or out of service directly on the map and on the detail screen before you navigate there.
Can Volta help me plan a long motorway journey?
Yes. Enter your destination, set your current battery level and vehicle range, and Volta suggests rapid charging stops along your route. It works for journeys across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
What connector types does Volta support filtering by?
Volta filters by CCS (Combined Charging System), CHAdeMO, Type 2 (Mennekes), and 3-pin domestic connectors. You can set your vehicle's connector type once and the filter applies automatically on every search.

Find your next charge in seconds

Download Volta free on iPhone and locate nearby EV chargers with live availability, real prices, and one-tap navigation across the entire UK.

Get started free →