Introduction
One of the biggest challenges for Uber drivers going electric is charging—especially if you don’t have a driveway. But don’t worry. Thousands of London Uber drivers are already operating EVs without home charging. This guide shows you exactly how they do it, smartly and affordably.
🔗 Still choosing your EV? Check out Top 5 EVs for Uber in London: Range, Charging & Profitability
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1. Use London’s Public Charging Network Efficiently
London has over 11,000 public EV chargers, including:
| Type | Avg. Speed | Good For |
|---|---|---|
| Slow (3–7kW) | Overnight (~6 hrs) | Residential or overnight parking |
| Fast (22kW) | 1–2 hours | Mid-shift break |
| Rapid (50kW+) | 30 mins | End of shift or coffee stop |
| Ultra-Rapid (100kW–250kW) | 15–25 mins | Fast top-up, long shifts |
Best apps to locate chargers:
- Zap-Map
- PlugShare
- Bonnet (with rewards)
- bp pulse app (Uber drivers get bp pulse credits – see section 3!)
2. Smart Charging Habits for Uber Drivers
- Plan ahead: Schedule charging during meal breaks or rider downtime.
- Avoid peak times: Late nights or early mornings = empty chargers.
- Top-up regularly: Don’t wait till 5%—charge when you reach ~30%.
3. Join Co-Charger: Use a Neighbour’s Charger
Co-Charger is like Airbnb for home EV chargers. You pay a small fee to a neighbour to use their home charger.
- Over 3,000 hosts in Greater London
- Book through app
- Lower rates than public charging
Bonus: Many Uber drivers are now using Co-Charger to get overnight rates without owning a charger.
4. Uber’s bp Pulse Credits & Offers
- Up to £200 in free bp pulse credits
- Monthly subscription discounts
- Access to 5,000+ bp chargers in the UK
Check your Uber Pro app to see if you’re eligible.
5. Install a Rapid Charger Near You (if feasible)
Some boroughs support community charger requests. If you’re in a high-demand Uber area, request a new charger via your borough council’s EV infrastructure plan. It’s a long shot—but it’s been done!