RAW Charging Stations Guide: How to Use, Costs & Locations
As the number of EV drivers increases (over two million electric cars according to Zap-Map), so does EV charging infrastructure in the UK. But how do you know which network to use, how to charge, its costs, and more? Our public electric vehicle charging network guide series is here to help.
Next in line is the RAW public charging network. Today, we cover the core information you need, including RAW charging costs, locations, perks and more to make your RAW EV charging experience simple.
RAW Charging Quick Summary:
| Network name | RAW Charging |
| Number of EV chargers in the UK | 2,570 EV chargers across 444 locations |
| Charger speeds (kW) | 3kW to 400kW |
| Charging types | Destination charging |
| How to pay | Debit or credit contactless, ChargePoint app (RAW app), third-party apps and RFID cards. |
| Price | 30p – 79p per kWh |
| Where you’re likely to find them | Retail, leisure and hospitality locations |
Who are RAW Charging?
Founded in 2018 by Jason Simpson, CEO, RAW Charging is a public EV charging network with over 2,570 EV chargers, from 3kW to 400kW power outputs, across 444 locations and three countries.
RAW is committed to delivering fewer carbon emissions and becoming the go-to destination charging network, with key partnerships with leading retail, leisure and hotel businesses, including Alton Towers, Greene King pubs, and McArthur Glen Designer Outlets.
Most notably, RAW Charging is working closely with the National Trust in its shared mission to make transport cleaner and greener, slashing greenhouse gas emissions.
Where are RAW charging stations found?
RAW Charging is famous for its destination charging. That’s hospitality, leisure, and retail EV charging station locations: places where you already stop and shop.
Specifically, though, you’ll usually find RAW EV charging stations at:
- English Heritage sites: Wrest Park in Silsoe, most notably.
- Hotels and spas: Pennyhill Park Hotel and Spa, South Lodge, Lainston House Hotel and Season Cookery School, to name a few.
- Greene King pubs: With a 800 pub and hotel contract.
- McArthur Glen Designer Outlets: 25 sites across the UK and EU.
- National Trust sites: RAW charging and the National Trust have a closer relationship, with over 285 National Trust properties having RAW charging stations, including Stourhead. Fountains Abbey, Lacock Abbey, Charlecote Park.
- Theme parks and attractions: Close partnership with Merlin Entertainments, including electrifying Legoland, Warwick Castle, and Alton Towers.
How do I find RAW charging stations near me?
- RAW Charging website: Go directly to the RAW Charging website and use their handy location finder.
- Map apps: Download apps like PlugShare or Zapmap and find RAW charging stations near you.
What do RAW charging stations look like?
For RAW Charging’s colour scheme, you’re looking at a rich dark blue across the board. However, note that different speeds will have different-sized charging units.
RAW slow and fast charging stations: Tall, thin units with a blue face and the speed printed in white on the front. The charging cables are attached, but are raised high and overhead like antlers. Usually, there’s a screen on the front.
RAW rapid charging and ultra-rapid hubs: Large, generator-like charging stations in tethered-only (cable attached) with the charger speed in white print on the side and a screen on the side.
How do I charge my electric car at RAW charging stations?
- Find your nearest RAW charge points.
- Park in a suitable bay – EV charging bays are usually clearly marked differently from standard parking bays.
- Plug in with the right charging cable: CCS for rapid and ultra-rapid, and Type 2 for slow and fast.
- Start the charging session by your chosen method: tap to start with an RFID card or debit card, or start on the ChargePoint app.
- Explore what’s on offer at your chosen location while your electric car charges.
- Unplug your charger, return the charging cable to its holder, and close your charging port.
What charging speeds are available?
EV charger type |
Power |
Tethered or untethered |
Connector |
| Slow AC | 3-7kW | Untethered – make sure you bring your own charging cable. | Type 2 |
| Fast AC | 11-22kW | Untethered – make sure you bring your own charging cable. | Type 2 |
| Rapid DC | 50-149kW | Tethered | CCS |
| Ultra-rapid DC | 150-400kW | Tethered | CCS |
Are RAW charging stations free?
Unfortunately, no; RAW charging stations are subject to a fee, no matter the speed or location.
That said, RAW occasionally offers free EV charging as a reward to its customers.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car with RAW?
EV charger speed |
Typical price (per kWh) |
Typical time to charge |
| Slow and fast (3kW) | 30-72p | 6-7 hours with 7kW
14 hours with 3kW |
| Rapid (50-149kW) | 72-77p | 25 – 60 minutes |
| Ultra-rapid (150-400kW) | 79p | 20 – 35 minutes |
Are there any hidden extra costs?
Connection fees, overstay fees and additional parking fees may apply. Please check before you plug in to avoid any unforeseen costs.
Are there any idle costs?
It depends on the charging station. Some RAW charging stations are subject to idle costs if your electric car remains plugged in when charging has finished, especially in high footfall areas such as supermarkets and amusement parks.
Check your RAW charging station before plugging in so you are aware of surprises.
Can you reclaim VAT on RAW charging stations?
Personal EV: If you’re driving a personal EV, sadly no, you can’t reclaim the 20% VAT on public EV charging.
Business use: If you drive an electric car solely for business use, then you can reclaim VAT on RAW charging.
How can I pay for RAW charging?
- Debit or credit contactless card
- ChargePoint app (the official RAW charging app)
- Chargepoint RFID card
- Third-party apps: Zapmap and Electroverse
Which third-party apps are compatible with RAW charging stations?
- ChargePoint Mobile app (RAW operates on this platform)
- Zapmap
- Electroverse
- OVO Charge
- Allstar Chargepass
What are the perks of using RAW charging stations?
- Award-winning network: RAW was voted Best Destination Public Charging network in the UK by ZapMap, giving you peace of mind that the RAW network is worth using.
- RAW rewards: Get access to exclusive members’ promotions and discounts for free with RAW’s rewards programme. Free EV charging is a special offer for RAW reward members, with the latest having been on 27-28 of October, as well as celebrating World EV Day with Free EV charging on World EV Day 2026.
- Wide range of EV charger speeds: From 3kW slow chargers all the way up to 400kW ultra-rapid chargers, RAW has power outputs for whatever type of charging session you’re after
- Accessibility: Thousands of RAW charging stations are located across the UK, clustering at popular tourist locations and high footfall areas, making finding a nearby charger easier for EV drivers.
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