23 November 2023
The October 2023 AA EV Recharge Report* shows a 13 p/kWh rise in cost of peak time slow charging, typically located kerbside in residential areas.
Some chargepoint operators have increased their prices to EV drivers without dedicated off-street parking, in an effort to help manage autumn and winter grid demand in local communities. As the public charging market begins to grow, EV drivers are becoming used to how price fluctuations follow seasonal demands – similar to how domestic energy typically adjusts throughout the year.
Elsewhere, both peak and off-peak ultra-rapid charging costs rose by up to 4 p/kWh. However, even though the price at the highest speeds increased, it is still cheaper per mile to use an ultra-rapid charger at off peak hours compared to filling a petrol car. Drivers using chargepoints offering flat rate prices all day saw prices remain unchanged over since August.
The increase in charging costs is coupled with concerns raised by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) about ongoing competition concerns at motorway service stations**.
AA EV Recharge Report, October 2023. Flat rates;
| Charger type | Speed (kW) | Oct Ave (p/kWh) |
Sep Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Domestic | Up to 7kW | 27 | 30 | -3 | £10.80 | 6.07 |
| Slow (Flat rate) | Up to 7kW | 48 | 48 | 0 | £19.20 | 10.79 |
| Fast | 8-22 kW | 55 | 56 | 0 | £22.00 | 12.36 |
| Rapid | 23-100 kW | 69 | 69 | 0 | £27.60 | 15.51 |
| Ultra-rapid | +101 kW | 71 | 71 | 0 | £28.40 | 15.96 |
| Petrol | 154.53 ppl | 151.74 ppl | 2.79 ppl | £49.45 | 14.76 | |
AA EV Recharge Report, October 2023. Peak and Off-Peak rates;
| Charger type | Speed | Oct Ave (p/kWh) |
Sep Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge to 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Slow Off-Peak | Up to 7kW | 43 | 40 | 3 | £17.20 | 9.66 |
| Slow Peak | Up to 7kW | 67 | 54 | 13 | £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 | 53 | 3 | £22.40 | 12.58 |
| Ultra-rapid Peak | +101kW | 65 | 61 | 4 | £26.00 | 14.61 |
| Petrol | 154.53 ppl | 151.74 ppl | 2.79 ppl | £49.45 | 14.76 | |
“Not reducing VAT on public EV charging to 5% in yesterday’s Autumn Statement, was a missed opportunity to eliminate the ‘pavement tax’.”
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “EV drivers without a driveway will feel unfairly targeted with the hikes to kerbside charging.
“While chargepoint operators have a strong case regarding their responsibility towards grid management, those used to charging near their home could feel the pinch if they are unable to plug in during off-peak hours.
“Not reducing VAT on public EV charging to 5% in yesterday’s Autumn Statement, was a missed opportunity to eliminate the ‘pavement tax’.”
* Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as at 31 October 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 @ 154.53 ppl = £49.45. Combined MPG of 47.9 = 335 miles at 14.76 p/mile.
Vauxhall Corsa specifications here: Corsa_Spec_ePG_5_January_2023.pdf (vauxhall.co.uk)