Electric car charging points near me: charge points in Lancashire, which network to use and how much it costs

Most charging can be done at home, but you never know when youll need a top-up. Picture: Shutterstock

Many believe that the move towards electric is a key part of the country becoming more environmentally friendly, but the switch does present certain new challenges for drivers.

First and foremost, there’s the matter of where to charge your electric vehicle. While charging can be done at home or at work if the facilities are available, most drivers will also find themselves making use of public charging points.

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Some points do now offer pay-as-you-go contactless payments for non-members. Picture: Shutterstock

How do public charging points work?

To use a charging point, it is recommended that EV drivers become a member of a Public Charging Network. There is a wide range of companies that provide charging networks, from national companies such as ZeroNet, to region-specific ones like ChargePlace Scotland.

Methods also vary between companies – some provide an RFID card with which to access their services, while others offer an app. Many now provide both options.

Though most charging points require an account to be set up with the appropriate charging network, some now also offer a contactless pay-as-you-go option.

Different EVs require different chargers, so it’s important to become a member of a network with points that will suit your car. You’ll also want to select one with charging points in locations that are convenient for you.

How much does it cost?

Prices vary between different companies, so you may want to take that into account as well. Although many charging points are free to use, most of the faster ones will charge a fee. Often, this will include a flat connection fee, as well as a cost per time spent and energy used.

For example, ZeroNet charges no membership fee and many of its charging points are free to access, though customers are advised to check with the specific point first.

ChargePlace Scotland charge £20 per year for the use of an RFID card, but also offer a free app which can be used to access their charging points.

Where are the charging points in Lancashire?

Here’s a list of all the EV charging points currently available in Lancashire. For details of each charge point’s address, network and type of charger, visit the Preston Zapmap or the Chorley Zapmap.

Preston

2-4 Lawson Street St Georges Shopping Centre Preston Bus Centre Angelo's Preston Avenham Car Park Winckley Square Fishergate Car Park Renault Dealership: Lookers Preston Block C, West Strand Chorley Group Nissan Preston Bowker BMW Preston Walton-le-Dale 80 Malthouse Way Fred Coupe Nissan Preston The Anderton Arms Booths Fulwood Preston The Sherwood Booths Penwotham Renault Dealership: Arnold Clark Automobiles Central Park Road

Chorley

Chorley Flat Iron Car Park 119-127 Market Street 56 Water Street Asda - Chorley Renault Dealership: Clock Garage (Chorley) Ltd Chorley Nissan Linden Welcome Break Charnock Richard (South) Days Inn Charnock Richard McHooligan Matt and Kirsty’s Electric Cars UK at Thorntrees Garage Adjacent Layland Library Rivington Services M61 (South) Sceptre Point Sceptre Way Holly Place Regal Gaming & Leisure Dunkirk Lane