Slow charging costs rise but EVs still cheaper, finds AA Recharge Report

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The cost of both slow and fast flat-rate charging at public chargers increased in April, according to new AA analysis.

Slow charging at a supermarket is still on average 5p a mile cheaper than petrol costs

Its latest EV Recharge Report shows a 5p/kWh increase in flat-rate slow charging, as well as a 1p/kWh increase in flat-rate fast charging last month.

The rise in flat-rate slow charging was the result of Tesco putting up the cost of its electric vehicle charging network, with rates increasing to 44p per kWh from 3 April, which pumped up the average price by 5p/kWh.

But while the AA said the increase was disappointing, it added that the cost of charging has remained static and incredibly affordable on the whole, especially for the fastest charging speeds.

It also pointed out that compared to petrol costs, which have fallen in the past month, slow charging at a supermarket is on average 5p a mile cheaper while even flat-rate fast charging is cheaper (see tables below).

However, worrying numbers of fleets may miss out the benefits of electrification, including cheaper running costs, after recent research by Bridgestone and Webfleet indicated that more than three-quarters of operators (76%) are delaying the switch due to cost pressures.

AA president Edmund King warned that we’re at an important phase on the road to zero-emission vehicles with the ban on new petrol and diesel cars just seven years away.

He added that it was crucial for fleets to lead the way to mainstream electrification, delivering cheaper running costs and lower carbon footprints to companies while also creating a healthy used EV market as a result of fleet sales.

King elaborated: “There appears to be some stalling along the road to electrification from three-quarters of fleets trying to save on capital costs. For some fleets this could backfire as they will miss out on lower running costs whilst being hit with higher repair bills on an aging fleet. It will also have a knock-on effect and further delay the uptake of EVs into the mass market.

“We are in a period of flux and uncertainty for many private drivers. Do we buy a used EV now or wait until the cars have a longer range or battery longevity is further tested?”

Boosting the appeal of going electric, there are many used EVs now available for a bargain – the AA said some used electric cars with less than 10,000 miles on the clock are being offered for half the price at new.

King continued: “There are some bargains out there and it could push those in two minds to make the leap to electric. Hybrid values seem to support that, showing popularity among those wanting to keep a foot in both camps. Drivers should remember that running costs for an EV are considerably lower, they drive well, are better for the environment and are fun to drive.”

AA EV Recharge Report, April 2023. Flat rates:

Charge Type Speed Apr Ave (p/kWh) Mar Ave (p/kWh) Difference (p/kWh) Cost to charge to 80% Pence per mile (p/mile)
Domestic Up to 7kW 34 34 0 £13.60 7.64
Slow Up to 7kW 40 35 5 £16.00 8.99
Fast 8-22kW 54 53 1 £21.60 12.13
Rapid 23-100kW 67 67 0 £26.80 15.06
Ultra-rapid +101kW 70 70 0 £28.00 15.73
             
PETROL   146.52 -0.11 £46.89 14.00

AA EV Recharge Report, April 2023. Peak and Off-Peak rates:

Charge Type Speed Apr Ave (p/kWh) Mar Ave (p/kWh) Difference (p/kWh) Cost to charge to 80% Pence per mile (p/mile)
Slow Off-Peak Up to 7kW 37 37 0 £14.80 8.31
Slow Peak Up to 7kW 72 72 0 £28.80 16.18
Fast Off-Peak 8-22kW 57 57 0 £22.80 12.81
Fast Peak 8-22kW 75 75 0 £30.00 16.85
Rapid Off-Peak 23-100kW 57 57 0 £22.80 12.81
Rapid Peak 23-100kW 75 75 0 £30.00 16.85
Ultra-rapid Off-Peak +101kW 51 51 0 £20.40 11.46
Ultra-rapid Peak +101kW 64 64 0 £25.60 14.38
             
PETROL   146.52 ppl -0.11 £46.89 14.00
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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.