Electric vehicle charging prices across the UK’s public network were frozen in March as petrol prices soared.

Flat-rate pricing across all types of chargers, from slow to ultra-rapid, held steady in March

The latest EV Recharge Report from the AA reveals flat-rate pricing across all types of chargers, from slow to ultra-rapid, held steady last month.

And analysed on a peak and off-peak basis, only ultra-rapid (101kW+) peak charging saw a rise, with a 1p/kWh lift from 64 to 65p/kWh.

The rise comes as petrol prices rose 0.63ppl last month and are expected to soar further amid rises in the cost of oil and a weakening pound.

The AA also greeted action by EG Group to display its charging costs using totem poles at forecourts. It’s now using price boards at some 50 sites, alongside petrol and diesel prices, to help advertise prices and compare the cost of motoring.

The AA said the move would enable drivers to easily spot how much charging costs and compare with the price of refuelling – and added that it would also help highlight to drivers that there are more charge points than they perceive.

AA EV Recharge Report, March 2024 – Flat rates:

AA EV Recharge Report, March 2024 – Peak and off-peak rates:

Government shuts down VAT ambition for public charging

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “The freeze in charging costs in March is much welcomed by EV drivers, and watched enviously by petrol and diesel drivers. With petrol heading towards 150 ppl in April, these drivers would give anything for some price stability.

“Prices that can be seen from the road will lead to good competition, and displaying them on price boards is great news. Not only will it show how cheap an EV is to run, it will raise the profile of charge points generally as drivers will notice there are more than they think.”

The AA also denounced the Government’s rejection of calls to reduce the rate of VAT on the public charging network from 20% to 5%, in line with domestic energy costs.

In a response to the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee, the Government ruled out such a measure as it would “would impose additional pressure on the public finances to which VAT makes a significant contribution”.

The AA had called for VAT equalisation in its Motoring Manifesto, alongside action on graduated licences and smart motorways among other areas.

Jack Cousens said: “We are disappointed that the Government has decided to rule out equalising VAT between domestic and public EV charging at this stage. However, the AA will be campaigning on behalf of all drivers ahead of a general election to make this ambition happen.”

Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as of 13 March 2024. 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. Adding 80% range equates to 178 miles of range.

Meanwhile, the petrol comparison is with a Vauxhall Corsa 75hp 1.2-litre and an 80% refuel, which equates to 32 litres. Petrol: 32 litres @ 145.26 ppl = £46.48. Combined MPG of 51.4 = 360 miles at 12.91 p/mile.