24 August 2023
Electric car drivers have seen prices of public flat rate charging rise while costs for charging an EV at home have fallen by 4p per kWh, according to the July 2023 AA EV Recharge Report*.
On 1 July, the new Energy Price Cap fell from an average of 34 p/kWh to 30 p/kWh**. However, all flat-rate public charging costs rose by at least a penny compared to June, with slow rate on average rising by 4 pence to 48 p/kWh due to a big rise in one city.
While slow charging in residential areas through lampposts remained largely static, a council-announced increase in Brighton and Hove from 39 p/kWh to 61 p/kWh***, a 56% increase, drove the average kerbside cost across the country up 4p/kWh.
Meanwhile, all peak and off-peak rates of charging in the public realm remained static offering some comfort to EV owners.
AA EV Recharge Report, July 2023. Flat rates;
| Charger type | Speed (kW) | Jul Ave (p/kWh) |
June Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Domestic | Up to 7kW | 30 | 34 | -4 | £12.00 | 6.74 |
| Slow (Flat rate) | Up to 7kW | 48 | 44 | 4 | £19.60 | 10.79 |
| Fast | 8-22 kW | 56 | 55 | 1 | £22.40 | 12.58 |
| Rapid | 23-100 kW | 69 | 68 | 1 | £27.60 | 15.51 |
| Ultra-rapid | +101 kW | 72 | 71 | 1 | £28.80 | 16.18 |
| Petrol | ||||||
| Petrol | 145.00 ppl | 143.86 ppl | 1.14 ppl | £46.40 | 13.85 | |
AA EV Recharge Report, July 2023. Peak and Off-Peak rates;
| Charger type | Speed | Jul Ave (p/kWh) |
June Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge to 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Slow Off-Peak | Up to 7kW | 33 | 33 | 0 | £13.20 | 7.42 |
| Slow Peak | Up to 7kW | 53 | 53 | 0 | £21.20 | 11.91 |
| 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 | 57 | 57 | 0 | £22.80 | 12.81 |
| Ultra-rapid Peak | +101kW | 65 | 65 | 0 | £26.00 | 14.61 |
| Petrol | ||||||
| Petrol | 145.00 ppl | 143.86 ppl | 1.14 ppl | £46.40 | 13.85 | |
“While wholesale electricity costs have dropped considerably from last summer, some networks increased their prices.”
Flat rate slow charging at highest point this year
Unfortunately, the hike in slow charging costs means July was the most expensive month to use that speed of charge in 2023. With domestic energy prices falling and OFGEM reporting that wholesale electricity prices are down considerably from the same time last year****, EV drivers may feel disappointed that public realm charging has not fallen.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “The majority of EV owners have their own dedicated charging source and would’ve reaped the benefits of the drop in the Energy Price Cap when charging at home.
“However, that benefit may have been missed completely for those who are solely reliant on the public network. While wholesale electricity costs have dropped considerably from last summer, some networks increased their prices.
“With the Competition and Markets Authority and Government keen to keep an eye on pump prices, there is a strong argument to consider mirroring their activities for EV charging costs in the public realm.”
* Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as at 31 July 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 @ 145.00 ppl = £46.40. Combined MPG of 47.9 = 335 miles at 13.85 p/mile.
Vauxhall Corsa specifications here: Corsa_Spec_ePG_5_January_2023.pdf (vauxhall.co.uk)