Charging an EV with an ultra-rapid charger at peak times has fallen to its lowest cost this year, according to the September 2023 AA EV Recharge Report.

The cost per mile from powering up at an ultra-rapid charger during the most expensive period of the day is now cheaper than running a car on petrol

The new report, which launches later today at the Highways UK conference at the NEC, reveals that the cost per mile from powering up at an ultra-rapid charger during the most expensive period of the day is now cheaper than running a car on petrol.

Prices at ultra-rapid chargers – both peak and off-peak – fell by a further 3p/kwh last month, mirroring the fall seen in August, meaning ultra-rapid charging is now at its cheapest point since the summer. Under the AA’s calculations*, the pence-per-mile cost for a small family EV is now 11.91 for ultra-rapid off-peak and 13.71 for ultra-rapid peak; this compares to a 14.49ppm for a small family petrol car.

Elsewhere, the AA data reveals that drivers using charge points offering flat rates saw prices remain the same as August, but slow chargers, typically from lampposts in urban areas, saw peak and off-peak prices rise again.

AA EV Recharge Report, September 2023 – flat rates:

AA EV Recharge Report, September 2023 – peak and off-peak rates

Edmund King, AA president, will tell today’s conference: “A further reduction in the cost of ultra-rapid charging is brilliant to see and shows that charge point operators can act quickly to pass on cost savings to drivers.

“Ultra-rapid charging can be cheaper by the mile than petrol and gives more food for thought to those who are considering making the swap from combustion cars to EVs.

“Recent data shows that business and company car drivers are the ones most likely to make the switch to electric because of the tax benefits. These drivers tend to drive longer distances and will use the ultra-rapid network when out on the road. Any fears they may have before taking the keys will quickly disappear as they enjoy a growing charging network alongside low-cost energy.

“Transparent and competitive pricing of charging at home and on the road is an essential part of encouraging private and business drivers to go electric.”

* Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as of 28 September 2023. Subscriptions are available for all charge point speeds which can unlock a cheaper p/kWh, however rates vary across provider.

Charging calculations are based on adding 80% to a Vauxhall Corsa Electric, 50kW, with a WLTP range of 222 miles, while the petrol comparison is with a Vauxhall Corsa 75hp 1.2-litre.