Fuel in England is sold by the litre. As of 2026, expect roughly £1.40–£1.55 per litre for unleaded and £1.50–£1.65 for diesel — motorway services add 10–15 pence per litre. EV drivers will find over 60,000 public charge points, though rural coverage remains patchy.
Petrol vs Diesel — Which to Choose
Rental cars in England are predominantly petrol (unleaded). Diesel remains common in company fleets and larger vehicles. Never put petrol in a diesel engine — misfuelling destroys the fuel system and is not covered by standard insurance. Check the filler cap label before you pump.
- Unleaded (E10) — standard grade; compatible with virtually all petrol cars since 2011
- Super unleaded (E5) — higher octane; required by some performance and older vehicles
- Diesel (B7) — marked with a black pump handle at most stations
Where to Refuel — Supermarkets vs Motorway
Supermarket forecourts (Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons) are consistently 3–5 pence per litre cheaper than branded stations and motorway services. Plan fuel stops at supermarkets near your route. Motorway services are convenient but premium-priced — fill up before joining the motorway when possible.
Payment & Self-Service
Nearly all stations accept contactless cards and mobile wallets. Some require you to pre-authorise a card at the pump before fuel dispenses. Pay-at-pump is standard; forecourt shops remain open 24 hours at major locations. HGV lanes and ad-blue dispensers are separate from car pumps.
EV Charging — Types & Apps
Public chargers fall into three speed categories:
| Type | Speed | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Slow (3–7 kW) | 4–8 hours | Street lamps, hotel overnight |
| Fast (7–22 kW) | 1–4 hours | Car parks, supermarkets |
| Rapid (50 kW+) | 20–40 mins | Motorway services, dedicated hubs |
Use Zap-Map, Pod Point, or your vehicle manufacturer's app to locate chargers, check availability, and pay. Different networks require different apps or RFID cards — a universal app saves frustration on long trips.
Move your car once charging completes. Occupying a rapid charger after your session finishes is considered poor form and may incur idle fees on some networks.
Journey Planning Tips
- Fill up when you reach a quarter tank — rural areas in Cornwall, Devon, and the Peak District have sparse stations
- EV drivers: plan rapid-charge stops every 150–200 miles on motorways
- Keep a fuel/receipt if returning a rental — hire companies charge premium rates for missing fuel
Key Takeaways
- Supermarket forecourts are cheapest; motorway services are most expensive
- Check the filler cap before pumping — misfuelling is costly
- Use Zap-Map for EV planning; download network apps before you travel
- Move your EV once charging completes at rapid chargers
