Peak-rate slow charging has increased by 11p/kWh, according to the AA’s EV Recharge Report for October.

The AA expects there to be little price fluctuation at chargers across the winter

While the hike is less steep than the 13p/kWh seen a year ago, the cost of charging at peak times on a public slow charger, typically on-street lampposts within residential areas, is now 69p/kWh compared to 67p/kWh 12 months ago.

Typically, lamppost charging prices rise in the autumn and fall in the summer, mirroring the costs of domestic electricity under the energy price cap.

However, EV drivers able to charge at home and using a standard tariff will still benefit from a charging cost of less than 6 pence a mile.

Elsewhere, charging at ultra-rapid stations have increased by up to 3p/kWh in a month, but fast charging costs fell by 2p, meaning it would cost around £23 to add 80% battery to an EV.

In contrast, the price of fuel fell in October to 134.50 pence per litre, giving a refill cost of £43, or 11.76 pence per mile. However, fuel prices are now rising, with petrol up 1p a litre so far in November and looking set to become more expensive as drivers head into winter.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “EV owners without their own parking spot won’t be pleased that residential charging costs have risen. However, these increases are at peak times, typically as people return home from work; if they are prepared to plug-in before bedtime, they can charge overnight at a competitive rate.”

Cousens also pointed out that charging costs are far more stable than fuel costs at forecourts.

“We expect there to be little price fluctuation at chargers across the winter, whereas petrol drivers fear that their costs could increase daily,” he outlined.

The AA also welcomed the Chancellor’s commitment in the Autumn Budget for £200m of additional spending in 2025/26 to accelerate the rollout of EV charge points – and said the money should be spent on filling the gaps that have started to show amongst local authorities.

“Ensuring that drivers have access to charging at varying speeds at numerous destinations gives even more confidence that an EV owner can find a charge point when they need one,” Cousens added. 

AA EV Recharge Report – October 2024 – Flat rates

AA EV Recharge Report – October 2024 – Peak and Off-Peak rates

Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as of 24 October 2024. Subscriptions are available for all charge point speeds which can unlock a cheaper p/kWh, however rates vary across provider.

Electric car calculations based on adding 80% to a Vauxhall e-Corsa, 50kWh, with a WLTP range of 221 miles. Adding 80% range equates to 178 miles of range.  

Petrol car calculations based on Vauxhall Corsa 100hp 1.2-litre petrol with a 40-litre tank. 80% refuel = 32 litres.

Petrol: 32 litres @ 134.50 ppl = £43.04. Combined Low MPG of 52.3 = 366 miles at 11.76 p/mile.