Do You Pay Overstay Fees at EV Chargers?

Many public EV chargers in the UK now charge an overstay fee if you leave your car plugged in after charging has finished. The policy varies by network: some give you a grace period of a few minutes, others start billing as soon as the session ends. Before you plug in at a public charger, it is worth checking the network's app or the charger display so you know exactly what to expect. You can find more general EV ownership guidance in our Guides section.

Why do charging networks charge overstay fees?

The simple reason is turnover. A rapid charger at a motorway services or busy retail park can only serve a limited number of drivers each day. When a car sits fully charged and blocking a bay, it stops the next driver from getting the charge they need. Overstay fees are designed to encourage drivers to move off promptly. Networks generally make this clear in their terms and on the charger display, so it is not a hidden charge if you read the screen before starting a session.

How much are overstay fees, and when do they kick in?

The amount and timing differ across networks, so there is no single UK-wide rule. Some networks apply a per-minute fee once charging has stopped; others allow a short grace period (commonly around ten minutes) before the clock starts. Fees tend to be higher at rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, where demand is greatest. To avoid a surprise, open the network's app before you plug in: the current fee and any grace period will usually be listed clearly on the session start screen.

Do all public chargers have overstay fees?

No. Slower destination chargers, such as those in hotel car parks or some supermarket locations, often have no overstay fee because they are designed for longer stays. Fees are most common at rapid and ultra-rapid hubs where high throughput matters. On-street chargers managed by local authorities may also have separate parking rules rather than a network overstay fee. The safest habit is always to check the charger screen or app before you park up.

What happens if you do not pay an overstay fee?

Networks typically charge the fee to the payment card or account linked to your session. If you use a contactless payment card rather than a membership app, the overstay amount is usually charged to that same card after the session ends. Repeated non-payment can lead to account suspension on membership-based networks. It is worth keeping your payment details up to date in whichever app you use most often.

How to avoid overstay fees in practice

• Set a phone alarm when you plug in, timed to when charging should be complete.
• Use the network app: most send a push notification when your car reaches a set charge level or when the session ends.
• Plan your stop: if you are shopping or eating, choose a destination charger rather than a rapid hub to avoid time pressure.
• Check Zapmap: Zapmap listings often include user notes about overstay rules at specific locations.
• Move promptly: once your app notifies you that charging is done, aim to move the car within any grace period the network allows.

Does overstay apply to home charging?

No. At home you are paying for your own electricity, so there is no overstay fee regardless of how long your car stays plugged in. Many drivers leave their car on a wallbox or portable charger overnight, which is perfectly fine and often takes advantage of cheaper off-peak electricity. The overstay question is purely a public charging consideration. If you are still setting up home charging, our portable charger range is a good starting point for flexible home use.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get an overstay fee waived if the charger was faulty?

Most networks will consider a refund or waiver if the charger malfunctioned and you have evidence, such as error codes or photographs. Contact the network's customer service directly with the session reference and details of what went wrong. Keep screenshots of any error messages the charger displayed during your session.

Do Tesla Superchargers charge overstay fees?

Yes. Tesla applies an idle fee when a car remains plugged in after reaching a high charge level, particularly when the Supercharger site is busy. The fee is described in the Tesla app, and Tesla has historically waived it if you move the car within a short window. Check the current policy in the Tesla app or on Tesla's website, as details can change.

Is there a legal right to dispute an overstay fee?

Overstay fees are part of the contract you agree to when starting a charging session. If you believe a fee was applied unfairly, for example because the charger did not notify you, you can raise a formal complaint with the network. The Energy Ombudsman covers some EV charging disputes, and Citizens Advice can provide guidance if you are unsure how to proceed.

Will overstay fees show on my bank statement separately?

It depends on the network and how you paid. Some networks batch the fee with the original charging transaction; others raise a separate charge. If you use a membership account with a monthly invoice, the overstay fee usually appears as a line item on that invoice. Check the network's billing section in the app if you want to break down individual session costs.

Are overstay fees the same as parking fines?

No. Overstay fees from charging networks are a contractual charge for using the bay beyond the permitted session, not a parking penalty notice issued under parking regulations. They are collected by the network, not by the local authority or a parking enforcement company. However, some locations also have separate parking rules that can result in a parking charge notice if you overstay beyond any permitted period.

Can I use Zapmap to find chargers without overstay fees?

Zapmap does not currently filter chargers specifically by overstay policy, but the user reviews and comments on individual charger listings often mention fee rules. Checking reviews for a specific location before you arrive is a useful habit, alongside reading the network's own app for the most up-to-date and accurate policy at that site.

Understanding public charging etiquette keeps things fair for every EV driver and helps you avoid unexpected charges. For everything related to the cable side of EV ownership, our EV charging cable finder helps you match the right cable to your car, and you can browse all our charging guides for further advice on getting the most from your EV.