EV Charging in South Shields

South Shields has a growing network of electric vehicle charging points, from rapid chargers on the seafront to slower overnight chargers in council car parks. Whether you are a resident without off-street parking, a visitor arriving by electric car, or thinking about making the switch, here is what you need to know.

Seafront Charging Points

South Tyneside Council has installed rapid charging points at the Pier Parade car park near Haven Point, making the seafront one of the most convenient places to top up while you enjoy the beach, South Marine Park, or Ocean Beach Pleasure Park. These chargers offer speeds of up to 50kW, providing a significant charge in around 30 minutes.

The seafront location is particularly useful for visitors, as you can charge while spending time at the coast rather than waiting in a car park with nothing to do.

Best for: Rapid chargers at Pier Parade near the seafront — charge while you visit the beach or South Marine Park.

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Town Centre and Council Chargers

South Tyneside Council operates a network of electric vehicle charging points in publicly accessible car parks across the borough. Speeds range from 7kW fast chargers (which offer a full charge in 4 to 7 hours) to 50kW rapid chargers (which can deliver a substantial charge in around 30 minutes).

All council charging points are listed on Zap Map, which provides real-time availability and status updates. Most chargers accept contactless payment or use the relevant network's app.

Best for: Council chargers across the borough — from 7kW overnight chargers to 50kW rapid units. Check Zap Map for real-time availability.

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InstaVolt and Commercial Chargers

InstaVolt operates an ultra-rapid charging station near Chichester Road in South Shields, offering speeds of up to 160kW. This is currently the fastest public charger in the area and is suitable for newer electric vehicles that can accept high-speed charging.

Commercial charging points are also available at supermarkets and retail parks in the wider South Tyneside area. These are typically slower (7kW to 22kW) but are free or low-cost at some locations while you shop.

Best for: InstaVolt on Chichester Road offers up to 160kW ultra-rapid charging — the fastest public charger in South Shields.

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Home Charging

If you have off-street parking (a driveway, garage, or allocated space), installing a home charger is the most convenient and cheapest way to charge an electric vehicle. A typical 7kW home charger costs between 800 and 1,200 pounds to install and will fully charge most electric cars overnight.

The government's Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (formerly known as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme) offers up to 350 pounds off the cost of installation for homeowners in flats and rented accommodation. Your electrician or charger installer will usually handle the application.

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Charging Networks and Payment

The main charging networks operating in South Shields and South Tyneside include:

• Zap Map — The best app for finding all public chargers in one place, with real-time availability
• InstaVolt — Contactless payment, no app or account needed
• BP Pulse — Used on some council and commercial chargers
• Pod Point — Found at some retail and workplace locations

Most modern chargers accept contactless bank cards, making ad hoc charging straightforward even if you do not have an account with the network.

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Planning a Longer Journey

South Shields sits at the eastern end of several major routes. If you are driving to Northumberland, the Lake District, or Scotland, plan your charging stops in advance using Zap Map or A Better Route Planner. Rapid chargers are available at most motorway services on the A1(M) corridor.

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For more transport information, see our guide to where to park in South Shields. For cycling alternatives, read our guide to running and cycling.