TL;DR
Navigating EV charging receipts in the UK can be tricky, but this guide simplifies the process by detailing how to obtain receipts from major charging networks. It also highlights Paua's service for consolidating receipts into a single monthly VAT invoice, making expense management easier.
Paua's guide on how to get a reciept from an EV charger
Navigating the complexities of public electric vehicle (EV) charging receipts in the UK can be a time-consuming task. This guide aims to simplify the process by outlining the specific methods for obtaining receipts from major UK charging networks.
You know the situation. You charged your electric car and now you need a receipt. Sometimes you get it in an app but most times you don’t. So how do you access a receipt from your public electric vehicle charging session? This happens most commonly when you use a contactless card to charge.
Most charge points don’t issue a receipt. The process to access a receipt can be really challenging. You may be required to call someone or visit a website to access your EV charging receipt. But you need that receipt in order to recover your 20% VAT. A key feature that Paua delivers is an ability to access receipts for charging enabling your accounting team an easier experience.
If you have found your way here you are in luck – we are here to help. We have summed up some of the major UK electric vehicle charge point networks and how to access a receipt. Alternatively, you could just get your business to sign up for a Paua EV charge card! We have taken the challenges on many of the networks below and place them into a single receipt for your business.
Preparation is Key
Before embarking on your receipt retrieval journey, ensure you have the following information readily available:
Time: Allow up to three business days for bank statement details to appear.
Session Details: Note the date, time, location (including charger ID, if applicable), and estimated cost of your charging session. This information is crucial for completing provider-specific procedures.
Network-Specific Retrieval Methods:
InstaVolt
Offering a user-friendly approach, InstaVolt provides an online receipt generator (https://instavolt.co.uk/vat-receipt-generator/). Simply input your session details including picking from a drop-down list of InstaVolt charging locations, the session amount/cost, date, and your contact details for easy retrieval. You can now also obtain a receipt via email if you activate the charge via the app or their RFID card. However there is a back-up – you can email them at: VATreceipts@instavolt.co.uk
GRIDSERVE Electric Highway & Electric Forecourt
Similar to InstaVolt, GRIDSERVE offers a convenient online receipt request form (https://www.gridserve.com/search-receipt/). Simply provide your credit card details to access your receipt.
Shell Recharge
This network requires a differentiated approach depending on the charger used:
There are a lot of parts to the Shell Recharge ecosystem, so this makes it a little complex. We have kept Ubitricity separate for now. However, the Shell Recharge network is broadly split into two, Allego operated chargers and New Motion operated chargers. You can find this on the charger or your bank statement
For Allego chargers use this link and have the transaction numbers from your bank statement available.
Shell Recharge receipts when you used Allego
For New Motion you need to send them an email which included chargepoint location name, date and time of your charge session, and how much it cost you.
Further details on Shell Recharge receipt process here
BP Pulse
A slight delay is required for BP Pulse receipts. Wait 48 hours after charging (if using a credit card) before claiming your receipt. Remember, there's an eight-week window to claim, so avoid any delays. When contacting them via email ensure you include details like date/time, location, reference number, amount paid, and the last four digits of your card. It's important to note that a full VAT receipt might not always be available.
However, be aware that you may not get a full VAT receipt. Commentators over on Speak EV have been grumbling about this for a while. We had the same issues when we sought a VAT receipt.
Further details on the receipt process
Speak EV discussion on BP Pulse receipts
Osprey
Osprey prioritises customer convenience. They offer a straightforward online receipt form (https://www.ospreycharging.co.uk/receipt). Simply provide the site, session details, last three digits of your card, and the amount paid.
Open the Osprey receipt form here
Fastned
QR Code Payment: If you used a QR code for payment, email them with the site name and start/end time of your session.
Contactless Payment: For contactless payments, you'll need to contact Fastned directly on the below details:
More details on Fastned receipts
ChargePlace Scotland
Subscribers automatically receive invoices, eliminating the need for individual receipt retrieval. For credit card payments, head over to their website's contact page and get in touch.
GeniePoint
To retrieve a receipt from GeniePoint, using the link provided below, first locate your charger ID.
Then, access their online claim form (see below) and provide your card details and the date of your charge.
Make your GeniePoint claim here
PodPoint
Many PodPoint chargers are either free to use or require an account, so receipts might not be readily available. However, for paid charging with a credit card reader, email PodPoint with your card details, date, and amount of the charge.
Further details on obtaining a receipt for charging can be found in their terms and conditions
Ionity
While Ionity encourages using third-party providers like Paua for receipts, you can still contact them directly for a PDF receipt. They have a comprehensive customer support portal here.
You can contact Ionity here to access a receipt
Further details on getting a receipt here
SSE
Details on how to obtain a receipt from SSE is provided on their FAQ section here. You can request this via evsupport@sse.com - it is worth having all the details of the charging session available as they will need various information from you to confirm.
Applegreen
Applegreen have a dedicated support section where you can search for a receipt/invoice. You can find this at the URL provided below. Make sure you have the last 4 digits of the credit card you paid with available, along with the date you charged.
Search for an Applegreen invoice/receipt here
Note that if you charged at the following Applegreen UK locations and you require an invoice/receipt, you will need to contact Applegreen customer support on the email address provided below.
Abington Services
Hartshead Moor Northbound and Southbound Services
South Mimms Services
customersupport@applegreenelectric.com
Euro Garages (EV Point)
Euro Garages manage many different branded sites and therefore it can be more difficult to obtain a receipt from a specific charge point location under their EG umbrella. However, for receipts from EV Point locations, the company advise sending them an email on support.ev-point@ec.group where they can assist you further.
Is there a way to access one receipt across many EV charging networks?
Exhausted by the prospect of tracking down individual receipts? Paua offers a streamlined solution. We provide a single, monthly VAT invoice for all your EV charging across multiple networks, saving you valuable time and simplifying expense management.
Remember, this guide focuses on UK networks. Processes may differ internationally, so it's always wise to check the provider's website for specific instructions before your next charging adventure.
