Hi-Speed chase – EV fast charging operators go on holiday charm offensive - AA EV Recharge Report

• Peak rate ultra-rapid charging falls by 13% in a month as AA reveals ultra-high motorway petrol costs

• Ultra-rapid charging at peak hours fell by 8p/kWh, while other fees remained static

• Boost comes ahead of summer getaways and government investment

• “Recent government announcements are brilliant first steps, but we urge the Chancellor to go further in her Budget later in the year”, says AA's head of roads policy

The AA EV Recharge Report for June 2025 reveals a massive 13% reduction in peak rate ultra-rapid charging, a major boost for EV drivers out on the road this summer. A huge 8p/kWh fall in a month comes as the AA revealed motorway petrol prices as high as 170.9p a litre (against a UK average of 134.8p in mid July).

Recharge rates across all other speeds and times remained the same compared to the previous month, making EV running costs competitive across the board when compared to per mile costs for fuel. Those making their first big summer getaway drives in their electric cars will be able to use more than 82,000 public charging devices, of which 8,619 are ultra-rapid (+150kW)**.

AA EV Recharge Report, June 2025. Flat rates;

AA EV Recharge Report, June 2025. Peak and Off-Peak rates;

Government supercharges EV investment

Alongside the positive news on falling charging costs, the government has supercharged EV investment, by introducing grants to help approximately 40% of households without dedicated off-street parking charge at home, improve EV signage on the strategic road network*** and provide a grant of up to £3,750 on the purchase of some new electric cars****.

These investments are much needed to help a hesitant public reconsider their concerns towards electric cars, as well as assist those who want to take advantage of the cheapest means of charging, but are penalised by not having a driveway. While welcoming the move, The AA feels more can be done to help smooth the road towards electrification such as amending vehicle excise duty (VED) rates for EV's to make them more enticing, alongside equalising VAT on public charging with domestic energy.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said; “As families prepare to travel the length and breadth of the country, a fall in EV running costs is extremely welcome. A staggering 8p/kWh reduction in peak time costs at the fastest speed will not only keep the wheels turning but improve the image of motorway service areas.

“Currently, with motorway petrol and diesel so prohibitively expensive that filling up there is a last resort, ultra-rapid charging costs that offer a big pence-per-mile saving over pump fuel is a very significant turnaround in fortunes. AA EV charging cost monitoring shows that average ultra-rapid peak and off-peak rates are close to if not lower than average petrol prices.

“Somewhat timed to perfection are the recent announcements to help persuade drivers to consider electric cars when they are looking to upgrade their vehicle. AA members have long called for an incentive to help them make the switch, and a grant of up to £3,750 is most welcome. Similarly, grants to help those without driveways charge from home is a massive boost, as the cheapest way to power a car is on a home tariff.

“The recent announcements are brilliant first steps, but we urge the Chancellor to go further in her Budget later in the year. Matching VAT on public charging with home energy VAT as well as revising car tax rates could make a massive difference in the uptake of both new and used electric cars.”

ends

NOTES TO EDITORS

* Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as at 27 June 2025. Subscriptions are available for all charge point speeds which can unlock a cheaper p/kWh, however rates vary across provider.

Calculations based on adding 80% to a Vauxhall e-Corsa, 50kW, with a WLTP range of 221 miles. Adding 80% range equates to 178 miles of range. Vauxhall e-Corsa specifications here: Corsa_PSG_MY25_1_July_Library.pdf

Calculations based on Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L (100PS) Petrol with a 40 litre tank. 80% refuel = 32 litres.

Petrol: 32 litres @ 134.10 ppl = £42.91. Combined Low MPG of 52.3 = 366 miles at 11.72 p/mile.

Vauxhall Corsa specifications here: Corsa_PSG_MY25_1_July_Library.pdf

** EV charging statistics 2025 - Zapmap

*** New £63 million boost for Britain's electric vehicle revolution - GOV.UK

**** Discount of up to £3,750 on electric cars set to slash costs for thousands - GOV.UK