If you’re driving an electric vehicle around West Bromwich, quick and reliable access to charging is essential—especially if you’re on the go. While overnight charging at home or work suits many people, there are times you’ll want a fast top-up. That’s where high-speed chargers (also known as rapid and ultra-rapid chargers) come in.
Luckily, West Bromwich is developing a strong network of public high-speed EV charging stations. Here’s your guide to the best places to charge up quickly in and around the town.
What Is a High-Speed Charger?
High-speed EV chargers typically start at 50kW, which can give you an 80% charge in 30–60 minutes depending on your vehicle. Ultra-rapid chargers deliver 100kW–350kW and can top up some EVs in as little as 15–25 minutes.
Most high-speed chargers are compatible with CCS and CHAdeMO connectors and are ideal when you need to recharge during a shopping trip, a break from the motorway, or while grabbing a bite to eat.
1. InstaVolt – New Square Shopping Centre
- 📍 New Square, West Bromwich B70 7PP
- ⚡ Charging Speed: Up to 62.5kW
- 🔌 CCS and CHAdeMO connectors
- 💳 Contactless payment – no app needed
Located right next to Tesco Extra, these rapid InstaVolt units are perfect if you’re doing your shopping or heading to a movie. You can plug in and recharge while you shop, grab food, or browse the retail outlets.
2. IONITY – Starbucks Birmingham Road (Sandwell)
- 📍 Birmingham Road, B71 4JH (near J1 M5)
- ⚡ Charging Speed: Up to 350kW
- 🔌 CCS connectors only
- 💳 Contactless, IONITY app, or subscription services
This site is one of the fastest in the West Midlands, featuring 6 ultra-rapid chargers in a large, easy-to-access car park shared with Starbucks. It’s a great stop for those heading along the M5 or commuting into Birmingham. You can grab a coffee, use the toilets, and relax while your car charges at lightning speed.
3. Tesco Extra – Pod Point
- 📍 46 New Square, West Bromwich B70 7PR
- ⚡ Charging Speed: 7kW – 22kW (faster end of AC charging)
- 🔌 Type 2 sockets
- 📱 Pod Point app required
While not a rapid charger, Tesco’s free-to-use 22kW chargers can be handy for topping up while you shop. It’s a slower option, but still useful for an hour-long stay.
4. Shell Recharge – Dudley Street
- 📍 Shell Garage, Dudley Street, B70 9LS
- ⚡ Charging Speed: Up to 150kW
- 🔌 CCS and CHAdeMO connectors
- 📱 Shell Recharge app or RFID card
Perfect for local commuters and delivery drivers, Shell’s ultra-rapid units let you power up fast, and there’s a convenience store on site. Easy in, easy out.
5. BP Pulse – Swan Lane (Great Bridge Street)
- 📍 West Bromwich, B70 0YA
- ⚡ Charging Speed: Rapid (50kW)
- 🔌 CCS and CHAdeMO
- 📱 BP Pulse app or membership card required
This is one of West Brom’s longest-standing rapid chargers, and it’s still a reliable spot for drivers who are already BP Pulse members.
6. Morrisons Wednesbury (Near IKEA)
- 📍 Holyhead Road, WS10 7XL
- ⚡ Charging Speed: 50kW
- 🔌 CCS and CHAdeMO
- 📱 GeniePoint app required
Just outside of West Bromwich, this charger sits in Morrisons’ car park and is ideal if you’re shopping or visiting the nearby IKEA Wednesbury store. It’s also close to the Black Country Route and M6 motorway.
7. ASDA Tipton – GeniePoint
- 📍 Wednesbury Oak Road, DY4 0BP
- ⚡ Charging Speed: 50kW
- 🔌 CCS and CHAdeMO
- 📱 GeniePoint app required
Another useful site just outside of West Bromwich, this GeniePoint charger offers fast charging while you shop at ASDA or pop into nearby stores.
Tips for Using High-Speed Chargers in West Bromwich
- Plan Ahead: Use apps like Zap-Map, PlugShare, or your car’s sat nav to check availability in real-time.
- Download the Right App: While some networks support contactless (like InstaVolt or IONITY), others like GeniePoint or BP Pulse require an account.
- Watch Out for Idle Fees: Some providers will charge extra if you leave your car plugged in after charging is complete.
- Connector Types: Make sure your vehicle uses CCS or CHAdeMO for rapid charging—most modern EVs do.
Final Thoughts
West Bromwich is quickly becoming an EV-friendly town with a growing number of fast and ultra-rapid chargers. Whether you’re commuting, shopping, or passing through, you can find somewhere to top up quickly and get on your way. The addition of chargers at locations like New Square, Starbucks, and Shell garages is making it easier than ever to drive electric with confidence in the West Midlands.
