Fastned is the Dutch ultra-rapid charging operator that has been quietly building one of the UK’s most premium charging experiences. With chargers capable of delivering up to 400kW, covered canopy stations with distinctive architecture, and a European-wide network of over 400 locations, Fastned is a compelling option for long-distance EV drivers — particularly those heading to or from the continent.
Key Takeaways
- Fastned operates 25 UK charging hubs as of May 2026, expanding rapidly through a TfL partnership.
- Standard PAYG rate: 79p/kWh. The free Fastned app gives 10% off (~71p/kWh).
- A Gold membership subscription (£9.98/month) gives 30% off (~55p/kWh).
- Charger speeds range from 50kW to 400kW.
- Fastned covers 400-plus locations across Europe, making it a strong choice for cross-channel travel.
- New hubs include Hemel Hempstead (opened May 2026) and a TfL joint venture targeting five London hubs.
What Is Fastned?
Fastned is a publicly listed Dutch EV charging company, founded in 2012 and listed on Euronext Amsterdam. It operates ultra-rapid charging stations — recognisable by their distinctive golden canopy design — primarily along major roads, motorway-adjacent sites, and urban hubs.
The company’s UK expansion began after its initial European rollout in the Netherlands and Germany. Fastned is notable for its commitment to renewable energy — all charging is covered by 100% renewable electricity — and its distinctive station design, which typically includes a physical canopy sheltering multiple charging bays.
Where Fastned Operates in the UK
As of May 2026, Fastned operates 25 UK charging hubs. The network is smaller than established players such as bp pulse or GRIDSERVE but is expanding quickly.
Confirmed UK locations include:
- Greenwich, London — one of the busiest London ultra-rapid hubs.
- Hemel Hempstead — opened May 2026.
- Wiltshire — Fastned’s second Wiltshire hub.
- Multiple further sites under construction or planned.
TfL partnership (2026): Fastned has established a joint venture with Transport for London’s Places for London to develop ultra-rapid charging hubs at public transport interchange sites. The first five TfL hub locations are planned for Hanger Lane (Ealing), Canning Town (Newham), Hillingdon Circus, Hatton Cross, and Tottenham Hale.
Fastned’s European network of 400-plus locations spans the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, Italy and the UK. If you are planning a cross-channel trip, the Fastned app shows the full European network.
Fastned Pricing Per kWh
Fastned uses a three-tier pricing structure based on how you access the network:
| Access method | Rate (UK) |
|---|---|
| No account (contactless / debit card) | 79p/kWh |
| Fastned app (free to download) | ~71p/kWh (10% off standard) |
| Gold membership subscription | ~55p/kWh (30% off standard) |
| Gold membership monthly cost | £9.98/month |
The Gold membership breaks even at approximately three monthly charging sessions of 25kWh each. For comparison with home charging costs, our EV charging costs guide shows what you would typically pay per kWh on a dedicated overnight EV tariff.
The Fastned App
The Fastned app is free to download on iOS and Android and provides:
- A map of all Fastned locations in the UK and across Europe with live availability.
- The ability to start and stop charging sessions.
- A 10% discount on the standard rate without any subscription.
- Access to the Gold membership subscription.
- Charging history and receipts.
Gold Membership: Is It Worth It?
The Fastned Gold membership costs £9.98/month and gives 30% off the standard UK rate, bringing the cost down to approximately 55p/kWh.
At 25 charging sessions per month averaging 25kWh each (625kWh total), Gold members would pay £343 per year on the Gold rate versus £592 per year at the standard PAYG rate — a saving of approximately £249, easily justifying the £120 annual subscription cost.
For occasional users — once or twice a month — the free app discount (10% off) is sufficient, and the subscription is unlikely to pay back.
How to Pay at Fastned
Fastned chargers accept:
- Contactless bank card — tap and charge at 79p/kWh.
- Fastned app — authenticate via the app (10% or 30% discount depending on membership).
- Roaming RFID cards — Fastned accepts a range of third-party roaming cards.
- Fleet accounts — corporate accounts are available for fleet operators.
Real-World Reliability
Fastned has a strong reliability reputation. The network’s smaller UK estate (25 hubs) means Fastned can allocate more intensive maintenance resources per location than operators running thousands of distributed units.
New UK site openings — such as the Hemel Hempstead hub, which offered free charging for its launch week in May 2026 — have been well-received by drivers.
Fastned vs the Alternatives
Fastned vs GRIDSERVE Electric Highway: GRIDSERVE is significantly larger in the UK (2,099 chargers) and covers more motorway service locations. GRIDSERVE Plus membership (£7.99/month) offers 25% off at 82-89p/kWh base rates, resulting in a similar effective rate to Fastned Gold. For UK motorway travel, GRIDSERVE has broader coverage. For European travel, Fastned’s 400-plus location network is a strong differentiator.
Fastned vs InstaVolt: InstaVolt’s off-peak app rate (55p/kWh, 8pm to 7am) matches Fastned Gold pricing without any monthly subscription — a significant advantage for evening chargers. Fastned’s advantage is its European network and highest-tier charger speeds (up to 400kW).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Fastned charging stations are in the UK? As of May 2026, Fastned operates 25 charging hubs in the UK. The network is growing through a joint venture with Transport for London’s Places for London subsidiary, with five new London hubs planned at public transport interchange sites.
How much does Fastned charge per kWh in the UK? Standard PAYG at Fastned is 79p/kWh. The free Fastned app gives a 10% discount (approximately 71p/kWh). A Gold membership at £9.98/month gives 30% off (approximately 55p/kWh). Verify current rates in the Fastned app before charging.
Is Fastned renewable energy? Yes. All Fastned charging is covered by 100% renewable electricity. The company generates some of its own solar energy at stations equipped with solar canopies, supplementing with renewable grid supply.
Can I use my UK Fastned account in Europe? Yes. A Fastned account works across the company’s 400-plus locations in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Spain, Denmark, Italy and the UK. Gold membership discounts apply at all European Fastned locations.