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

According to recent estimates, the UK now has more than 200,000 electric cars zooming up and down its roads.
By Ross Mcindoe
Published 31st Oct 2019, 10:53 BST
Fees and charge types vary, so youll want to know your charging points ahead of time. Picture: ShutterstockFees and charge types vary, so youll want to know your charging points ahead of time. Picture: Shutterstock
Fees and charge types vary, so youll want to know your charging points ahead of time. 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: ShutterstockSome points do now offer pay-as-you-go contactless payments for non-members. Picture: Shutterstock
Some points do now offer pay-as-you-go contactless payments for non-members. Picture: Shutterstock

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.

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

How much does it cost?

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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 Belfast?

Here’s a list of all the EV charging points currently available in Belfast. For details of each charge point’s address, network and type of charger, visit the ZapMap.

The Fitzwilliam Hotel Belfast Great Victoria Street

Adelaide Street Clarence Court

CastleCourt Shopping Centre 12-56 Royal Avenue

DRD Car Park Belfast (Cromac Street) Cromac Street

DRD Car Park Little Victoria Street Downshire Place

DRD Cark Park Belfast (Hope Street North) Bruce Street

Little Donegall Street Car Park Little Donegall Street

Translink Central Station Car Park Mays Meadow

Lower Crescent Car Park University Road

DRD Car Park - Middlepath Street Middlepath Street

Belfast City Hospital Multi Storey Car Park Donegall Road

Titanic Belfast 1 Olympic Way

Dalys Garage Hyundai Belfast 249-255 Falls Road

Agnew VW Belfast 1 Boucher Road

Robinson Centre Montgomery Road

Kennedy Way Car Park Kennedy Way

Emo Fortwilliam Filling Station 287 Shore Road

Charles Hurst Renault Centre Belfast

Lidl Andersontown Road

Related topics:EVs