AA EV Recharge Report February 2024

Variable rates on ultra-rapid charging fall while pump prices rise

  • Cheaper per mile to use Ultra-rapid off-peak charger than petrol
  • Off-peak charging at the fastest speed falls by 2p/kWh
  • Petrol rises by 4.83ppl, edging closer to 150 ppl
  • “The tipping point to EVs is approaching faster than people realise”, says AA’s head of road policy

27 March 2024

Off-peak rates for ultra-rapid charging fell by 2p/kWh, making an EV on average 1.2p per mile cheaper to ‘refuel’ than filling up with petrol (12.58 v 13.82 p/mile), according to The AA EV Recharge Report for February 2024. Charging at home on a flat-rate tariff is already more than half the cost per mile of petrol.

While all other flat and variable EV rates in the public realm remained static, petrol prices rose by almost 5 ppl, and edged closer to 150 ppl.

“With more charging points installed each month, and at a wider variety of locations, the tipping point to EVs is approaching faster than people realise.”
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA

As most EV drivers charge at home, their use of the public network is limited to longer journeys, such as holidays. With an estimated 18.5 million drivers heading out on the roads this Easter**, the fall in price for the fastest charging speeds (reaching 80% within 20-40 minutes) means EV drivers are primed for cheaper motoring.

AA EV Recharge Report, February 2024. Flat rates;

Charger type Speed (kW)

Feb Ave (p/kWh)

Jan Ave (p/kWh) Difference (p/kWh) Cost to charge 80% Pence per mile (p/mile)
Domestic Up to 7kW 29 29 0 £11.60 6.52
Slow Up to 7kW 52 52 0 £20.80 11.69
Fast 8-22 kW 60 60 0 £24.00 13.48
Rapid 23-100 kW 74 74 0 £29.60 16.63
Ultra-rapid +101 kW 77 77 0 £30.80 17.30
Petrol 144.63 ppl 139.80 ppl 4.83 ppl £46.28 13.82

 

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

Charger type Speed Feb Ave (p/kWh)
Jan Ave (p/kWh) Difference (p/kWh) Cost to charge to 80% Pence per mile (p/mile)
Slow Off-Peak Up to 7kW 43 43 0 £17.20 9.66
Slow Peak Up to 7kW 67 67 0 £26.80 15.06
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 58 -2 £22.40 12.58
Ultra-rapid Peak +101kW 64 66 -2 £25.60 14.38
Petrol 144.63 ppl 139.80 ppl 4.83 ppl £46.28 13.82

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “The fall in both peak and off-peak costs on ultra-rapid charging has come at an ideal time, especially as drivers hit the road for Easter.

“A lower cost per mile leaves more money in the pockets of holiday travellers to spend on tourism. This helps to justify expenditure on EV charging infrastructure at tourist destinations. Higher pump prices will siphon off more holidaymaker cash this Easter.

“With more charging points installed each month, and at a wider variety of locations, the tipping point to EVs is approaching faster than people realise. Households in the market for an EV are looking at the costs and seeing that there are savings to be made, especially if they can get a good deal from the manufacturer.

“As The AA predicted last month, the gap between the per mile cost between petrol and off-peak ultra-rapid charging has widened and could expand further if the electricity prices continue to drop across 2024.”


* Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as at 28 February 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 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 @ 144.63 ppl = £46.28. Combined MPG of 47.9 = 335 miles at 13.82 p/mile.

Vauxhall Corsa specifications here: Corsa_Spec_ePG_5_January_2023.pdf (vauxhall.co.uk)

** Easter Getaway 2024 | AA (theaa.com)