12 September 2023
This month’s stability in the costs of charging an electric vehicle (EV) in the public realm has given EV owners heading back to work after the summer a major boost, according to the August 2023 AA EV Recharge Report*. While petrol pump prices have jumped 4.25% since July (145.00p v 151.19p), EV charging costs have held steady.
Those charging at the kerbside outside their homes have seen a 3p/kWh fall in average peak charging costs, although off-peak charging has gone up 5p. However, in other peak/off-peak and flat rate charging bands, costs have not just remained static but fallen by 1p/kWh in some – particularly for the fastest recharging speed.
Meanwhile, the average price of petrol jumped 6.19 ppl in August since the end of July and is continuing to rise into September. The reason for the hike follows an OPEC-inspired $15 increase in the cost of oil in the same period, from $75 to above $90 a barrel.
Last month, the pence per mile cost for a typical small petrol car was 13.85p. This month it has risen to 14.44p. That is now more expensive than for peak and off-peak charging at ultra-rapid facilities.
AA EV Recharge Report, August 2023. Flat rates;
| Charger type | Speed (kW) | Aug Ave (p/kWh) |
July Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Domestic | Up to 7kW | 30 | 30 | 0 | £12.00 | 6.74 |
| Slow (Flat rate) | Up to 7kW | 48 | 48 | 0 | £19.20 | 10.79 |
| Fast | 8-22 kW | 55 | 56 | -1 | £22.00 | 12.36 |
| Rapid | 23-100 kW | 69 | 69 | 0 | £27.60 | 15.51 |
| Ultra-rapid | +101 kW | 71 | 72 | -1 | £28.40 | 15.96 |
| Petrol | ||||||
| Petrol | 151.19 ppl | 145.00 ppl | 6.19 ppl | £48.38 | 14.44 | |
AA EV Recharge Report, August 2023. Peak and Off-Peak rates;
| Charger type | Speed | Aug Ave (p/kWh) |
July Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge to 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Slow Off-Peak | Up to 7kW | 38 | 33 | 5 | £15.20 | 8.54 |
| Slow Peak | Up to 7kW | 50 | 53 | -3 | £20.00 | 11.24 |
| Fast Off-Peak | 8-22kW | 75 | 75 | 0 | £30.00 | 16.85 |
| Fast Peak | 8-22kW | 79 | 79 | 0 | £31.60 | 17.75 |
| Rapid Off-Peak | 23-100kW | 75 | 75 | 0 | £30.00 | 16.85 |
| Rapid Peak | 23-100kW | 79 | 79 | 0 | £31.60 | 17.75 |
| Ultra-rapid Off-Peak | +101kW | 56 | 57 | -1 | £22.40 | 12.58 |
| Ultra-rapid Peak | +101kW | 64 | 65 | -1 | £25.60 | 14.38 |
| Petrol | ||||||
| Petrol | 151.19ppl | 145.00 ppl | 6.19 ppl | £48.38 | 14.44 |
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“As well as limited movement in the price paid at the device, unlike fuel there is more uniformity in the cost drivers pay wherever where they plug in, be it Padstow, Pontypool or Perth.”
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “Stability in electricity prices showcases the benefits of EVs when compared to the ‘rocket and feather’ approach for fuel pricing.
“As well as limited movement in the price paid at the device, unlike fuel there is more uniformity in the cost drivers pay wherever where they plug in, be it Padstow, Pontypool or Perth.
“As more drivers and businesses make the switch to electric, many may look back at their days owning a petrol or diesel car and wonder why chargepoint companies can keep costs consistent across the UK but the fuel trade can’t.”
* Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as at 24 August 2023. 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 222 miles. Adding 80% range equates to 178 miles of range. Vauxhall e-Corsa specifications here: Corsa_Spec_ePG_5_January_2023.pdf (vauxhall.co.uk)
Calculations based on Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L (75PS) Petrol with a 40 litre tank. 80% refuel = 32 litres.
Petrol: 32 litres @ 151.19 ppl = £48.38. Combined MPG of 47.9 = 335 miles at 14.44 p/mile.
Vauxhall Corsa specifications here: Corsa_Spec_ePG_5_January_2023.pdf (vauxhall.co.uk)