A quarter of EV drivers are missing out on the ability to use the UK’s public rapid charging network for long journeys and road trips, according to new YouGov research commissioned by smart EV charging innovators Easee and leading rapid charging network Osprey Charging.
While the majority of EV drivers use public rapid chargers when travelling further afield, 30.6% rarely do so, underscoring an important chance for further awareness-building around the growing scale of the UK charging network, and the opportunities it provides for longer electric journeys.
The survey also shows that rapid charging remains an occasional part of EV ownership for many drivers who have access to charging at home. Nearly three-quarters (74.6%) of EV drivers with a home charger use the public rapid network once every few months or less.
The data reinforces the importance of helping drivers make the most of their EV when the two parts of the charging experience work together. Building on day-to-day use with smart home-charging, drivers can start a journey with a charged vehicle at home and recharge with destination and en-route charging, as the public network presents a widespread service to help drivers keep their EVs topped up when travelling longer distances.
The public ultra-rapid network has expanded 40% year-on-year (Zapmap, 2026), with most motorway and A-road services offering the opportunity to charge quickly. Simultaneously, many retail parks, supermarkets and even countryside pubs now host charging points ready to deliver a top-up rapid charge.
The findings come as Easee and Osprey introduce two summer offers designed to make charging simpler and more affordable, both at home and on the road.
Until 1st September, Osprey customers will be able to access a 10% discount on the installation of an Easee home charger. Customers will be directed to a dedicated page hosted by Osprey, where they can receive a referral code to redeem through Easee’s installation partner.
Easee customers will also be able to claim £10 of free charging credit for use across the Osprey network, through an exclusive code promoted through the Easee app, email and social media channels.
By bringing together Easee’s smart home charging technology with Osprey’s nationwide rapid charging network, the collaboration is designed to give drivers greater confidence throughout the complete charging journey, from preparing for a summer trip at home to topping up quickly while on the move.
Sam Levy, Regional Sales Director – UK & Ireland at Easee, said: “Home charging is at the heart of the EV ownership experience for many drivers. But when it comes to longer journeys and summer road trips, public rapid charging has an equally important role to play, especially with the network growing more and more.
“It is striking that a quarter of EV drivers are not yet regularly using rapid chargers when doing longer journeys, while those with home chargers tend to use the public network only occasionally. By working with Osprey Charging, we want to help drivers see how easily the two can work together, making every part of the journey feel straightforward, reliable and ready for whatever the summer brings – giving them the confidence to go further under electric power.”
Dora Clarke, Head of Marketing & Communications at Osprey Charging, said: “The summer holidays are often the first time new EV drivers will use the public charging network, topping up during longer journeys or at their holiday destinations away from their home charger. Osprey Charging’s nationwide rapid and ultra-rapid charging network is simple to use with the tap of a bank card, and conveniently built near coffee stops, retail parks, pubs and on major routes including those in rural areas serving holiday traffic. Together with Easee helping our customers get set up at home, we can help drivers overcome that initial worry of using the public charging network, and make their EV journeys reliably straightforward.”
Easee has sold more than one million smart chargers across Europe, with its technology designed to make charging simple for drivers, installers and the wider energy system.
Osprey operates more than 1,500 rapid and ultra-rapid charging points across the UK, helping drivers charge on the move at locations nationwide.
