Big hike in kerbside EV charging costs, finds AA
New data from the AA shows a significant rise in the cost of peak-time slow charging, typically located kerbside in residential areas.
The AA EV Recharge Report for October reveals an average rise of 13p/kWh for kerbside charging costs
Its EV Recharge Report for October reveals an average rise of 13p/kWh for kerbside chargers, which are typically used by drivers without access to home chargers.
The AA said the peak-time rise was due to operators increasing prices to help manage autumn and winter grid demand in local communities.
But Jack Cousens, head of roads policy, said EV drivers without a driveway would feel unfairly targeted with the hikes to kerbside charging.
He added: “While charge point 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.”
Elsewhere, the AA data shows that costs for charge points on flat rates have remained static since August. But peak and off-peak ultra-rapid costs have seen slight increases, up by 4p/kWh and 3p/kWh, respectively.
However, it is still cheaper per mile to use an ultra-rapid charger at off-peak and even peak hours compared to filling a petrol car. An AA comparison of costs found a Vauxhall Corsa Electric would cost 12.58 pence per mile to run using an ultra-rapid charger off-peak and 14.61ppm for an ultra-rapid at peak times. For a Corsa petrol, the equivalent refuel would give a 14.74ppm running cost.
The AA also said that 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.
But Cousens added: “Not reducing VAT on public EV charging to 5% in yesterday’s Autumn Statement was a missed opportunity to eliminate the ‘pavement tax’.”
The increase in charging costs is coupled with concerns raised by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) about charging investment at motorway service stations.
AA EV Recharge Report October 2023
Flat rates:
| Charge Type | Speed | Oct Ave (p/kWh) | Sep Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge to 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Domestic | Up to 7kW | 27 | 30 | -3 | £10.80 | 6.07 |
| Slow | Up to 7kW | 48 | 48 | 0 | £19.20 | 10.79 |
| Fast | 8-22kW | 55 | 55 | 0 | £22.00 | 12.36 |
| Rapid | 23-100kW | 69 | 69 | 0 | £27.60 | 15.51 |
| Ultra-rapid | +101kW | 71 | 71 | 0 | £28.40 | 15.96 |
| PETROL | 154.53 ppl | 151.74 ppl | 2.79 ppl | £49.45 | 14.76 | |
Peak and Off-Peak rates:
| Charge 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 | |
AA EV Recharge ReportEV charging costsKerbside charging
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day. Natalie edits all the Fleet World websites and newsletters, and loves to hear about any latest industry news - or gossip.
