EV charging costs down 13%, finds AA EV Recharge Report
The AA EV Recharge Report for June has reported a 13% reduction in peak rate ultra-rapid charging.
The decrease of 8p per kWh comes as petrol prices rose as high as 170.9p a litre in some areas during the month.
The research found that recharge rates across all other speeds and times remained the same compared to prices in May.
The news comes as the government announced further support for electric vehicles with a grants of up to £3,750 for certain models, but the AA has called for additional measures to help smooth the road towards electrification such as amending vehicle excise duty (VED) rates for EV’s and equalising VAT on public charging with domestic energy.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said: “As families prepare to travel the length and breadth of the country, a fall in EV running costs is extremely welcome. A staggering 8p/kWh reduction in peak time costs at the fastest speed will not only keep the wheels turning but improve the image of motorway service areas.”
Prohibitively expensive
He continued: “Currently, with motorway petrol and diesel so prohibitively expensive that filling up there is a last resort, ultra-rapid charging costs that offer a big pence-per-mile saving over pump fuel is a very significant turnaround in fortunes. AA EV charging cost monitoring shows that average ultra-rapid peak and off-peak rates are close to if not lower than average petrol prices.
“Somewhat timed to perfection are the recent announcements to help persuade drivers to consider electric cars when they are looking to upgrade their vehicle. AA members have long called for an incentive to help them make the switch, and a grant of up to £3,750 is most welcome. Similarly, grants to help those without driveways charge from home is a massive boost, as the cheapest way to power a car is on a home tariff.
“The recent announcements are brilliant first steps, but we urge the Chancellor to go further in her Budget later in the year. Matching VAT on public charging with home energy VAT as well as revising car tax rates could make a massive difference in the uptake of both new and used electric cars.”
