Kerbside charging costs rise, but hike not as steep as 2023 – AA EV Recharge Report

Charging at peak times on slow chargers, typically lampposts within residential areas, have risen by 11p/kWh, according to The AA's EV Recharge Report for October.

While the hike is less steep than one last year (13p/kWh in 2023), the cost of charging at peak times on a public slow charger is now 69p/kWh compared to 67p/kWh 12 months ago**.

The timing of the increase runs alongside the increasing cost of domestic energy***, however those with the ability to charge at home on a standard tariff will still enjoy motoring at less than 6 pence a mile. Typically, lamppost charging prices fall in the summer, mirroring the costs of home electricity.

Elsewhere, charging at ultra-rapid stations increased by up to 3p/kWh in a month, but fast charging costs fell by 2p, meaning it would cost around £23 to add 80% battery to an EV.

In contrast, the price of fuel fell in October to 134.50 pence per litre, giving a refill cost of £43, or 11.76 pence per mile. However, fuel prices are now rising, with petrol up 1p a litre so far in November and looking set to become more expensive as drivers head into winter.

AA EV Recharge Report, October 2024. Flat rates;

AA EV Recharge Report, October 2024. Peak and Off-Peak rates;

Budget provided cash for chargers, but ‘pavement tax' remains

While EV drivers without a personal charger will be frustrated that the Chancellor opted to retain the ‘pavement tax', by keeping VAT on public realm charging at 20%, there was more positive news to continue and accelerate the growth in the wider charging network.

The £200 million injection is welcome and will help alleviate perceptions that there are insufficient chargepoints across the UK. Recently, The AA revealed that less than 2% of it's EV breakdowns were for vehicles running out of charge****, further showing that electric vehicles go further than some believe.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said; “EV owners without their own parking spot won't be pleased that residential charging costs have risen. However, as these increases are at peak times, typically as people return home from work, if they are prepared to plug-in before bedtime, they can charge overnight at a competitive rate.

“While price rises are always disappointing, the difference between EV and petrol costs is that charging companies offer far more stability and uniformity compared to forecourts. We expect there to be little price fluctuation at chargers across the winter, whereas petrol drivers fear that their costs could increase daily.

“The AA welcomes the extra investment to boost the number of chargers across the country, and hopes to see the money spend on filling the gaps that have started to show amongst local authorities. Ensuring that drivers have access to charging at varying speeds at numerous destinations gives even more confidence that an EV owner can find a chargepoint when they need one.”

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NOTES TO EDITORS

* Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as at 24 October 2024. 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_MY25_PSG_6_November_2024_Library.pdf (vauxhall.co.uk)

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

Petrol: 32 litres @ 134.50 ppl = £43.04. Combined Low MPG of 52.3 = 366 miles at 11.76 p/mile.

Vauxhall Corsa specifications here: Corsa_MY25_PSG_6_November_2024_Library.pdf (vauxhall.co.uk)

** Aa Ev Recharge Report October 2023 | AA (theaa.com)

*** New energy price cap level for October to December 2024 starts today | Ofgem

**** Range Anxiety Should Be A Thing Of The Past | AA (theaa.com)