Logo of Shell Recharge, one of Europe's largest charging network which gives access to all ubitricity-operated charging stations.

Switch to local authority view

Smart Charging:
A smarter way to charge

At ubitricity-operated charging stations, you can save money on your charging session using Smart Charging. Select Smart Charging and we’ll ensure your charge skips our peak window (4-7pm).

Currently drivers who charge at home already have the option to smart charge and access cheaper tariffs. With our Smart Charging feature, we are bringing a similar advantage to people who don’t always have access to a home charger.

How to use Smart Charging
An ubitricity-operated Shell Recharge lamppost charging station which offers Smart Charging, a way to skip charging during peak hours to save money on your charge.

Where can I access
Smart Charging?

Smart charging is available across >95% of the ubitricity network. 

1. Locate your closest ubitricity-operated charge point. All our charge points have a small QR code fixed to the lamppost or bollard near the socket.

An EV driver is looking for the nearest ev charging station in the UK, using ubitricity's network of public Shell Recharge chargers with Smart Charging functionalities.

2. Plug your car into the charge point using the standard type-2 cable that you would use for home or destination charging.

An EV driver connects his EV to an ubitricity-operated Shell Recharge charging station, using Smart Charging for charging at cheaper rates during off peak hours.

3. Scan the QR code on the plate above the charge point to open the pay-as-you-go web page.

An EV driver scans the QR code of a ubitricity-operated Shell Recharge charging station in the UK to start Smart Charging.

4. Select Smart Charging and we’ll ensure your charge automatically pauses during our peak window (4pm-7pm). Your charge will resume at 7pm once the peak window has finished.

An EV driver selects ubitricity's Smart Charging option on his smartphone to schedule the charge of his electric vehicle at an public Shell Recharge charging station.
UK October Pricing 2025

What is Smart Charging?

Users who plug at any time of day and select Smart charging will automatically charge up to 4pm, pause the charge over the peak window and resume charging at 7pm, skipping ubitricity’s peak tariff.

Smart charging hours and pricing for individual charge points will always be reflected on our Pay-as-you-go screens before you start your charge.

A Shell Recharge icon showing a lightbulb as a teaser for the frequently asked questions section for ubitricity-operated charging stations.

Need help with Smart Charging?

If you have any issues starting or completing your charge please contact our customer service team (available 24/7) by calling 0800 024 6297 or emailing support@ubitricity.co.uk

 

Smart Charging FAQ

 

Where is Smart Charging available?

Smart charging is available at lamppost and bollard charge points in the following local authorities.

Please note, Smart charging is only available through ubitricity’s PAYG payment method (Scanning the QR code above the charge point).

How will I know my charging session has started?

The LED light on the charge point will turn green to show that your session has started – we just won’t send any power during our peak window (4pm-7pm). Depending on what type of car you have, you may see a different message in your car app.

What will happen to my cable if I opt for Smart Charging?

We’ll lock your cable in place once you’ve selected our Smart Charging option. We just won’t send any power during our peak window (4pm-7pm)

At the end of the charge, just unlock your cable as normal.