Pod (formerly known as Pod Point, although that's still what the company refers to its individual chargers as, confusingly) is one of the UK’s largest EV charging networks, even if, for many, it slips under the radar. Most drivers will have seen its charging points at Tesco superstores, as well as its own standalone stations. 

The Pod network operates almost exclusively AC public charge points which are only 3.6kW to 22kW, though it also runs rapid 50kW and 75kW chargers at Tesco stores.

Access is exclusively operated through the app for all but its rapid chargers – which have to offer contactless access by law. Otherwise, the Pod Point app runs everything.

There are no RFID cards, no subscriptions, and no connection fees, just a simple cost per kWh used, which varies depending on the charger type, and its location type. Pod also operates some free charge points still, though these still require the app to start and stop the charge.

An early entrant into the public EV charging space, Pod has consistently been an important network for EV drivers, which was only strengthened with partnerships at places like Tesco and Lidl, as well as the likes of Heathrow Airport and Center Parcs.