Ultra-rapid charging cheaper per mile than petrol, finds AA
Electric vehicle drivers are cashing in on static public charging costs as petrol and diesel prices soar, according to the AA.
The pence-per-mile cost for a typical small petrol car is now more expensive than for peak and off-peak charging at ultra-rapid facilities
Its August 2023 EV Recharge Report found that while petrol pump prices have jumped 4.25% since July (145.00p v 151.19p), EV charging costs have held steady.
Those charging at the kerbside outside their homes have seen a 3p/kWh fall in average peak charging costs, although off-peak charging has gone up 5p. However, in other peak/off-peak and flat rate charging bands, costs have not just remained static but fallen by 1p/kWh in some – particularly for the fastest recharging speed.
Meanwhile, the average price of petrol jumped 6.19 ppl in August since the end of July and is continuing to rise into September. The reason for the hike follows an OPEC-inspired $15 increase in the cost of oil in the same period, from $75 to above $90 a barrel.
Notably, ultra-rapid charging is now cheaper by the mile than petrol. Last month, the pence-per-mile cost for a typical small petrol car was 13.85p. This month it has risen to 14.44p. That is now more expensive than for peak (14.38p) and off-peak charging (12.58p) at ultra-rapid facilities, although flat-rate ultra-rapid charging is higher at 15.96p.
AA EV Recharge Report August 2023 – Flat rates:
| Charge Type | Speed | Aug Ave (p/kWh) | Jul Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge to 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Domestic | Up to 7kW | 30 | 30 | 0 | £12.00 | 6.74 |
| Slow | Up to 7kW | 48 | 48 | 0 | £19.20 | 10.79 |
| Fast | 8-22kW | 55 | 56 | -1 | £22.00 | 12.36 |
| Rapid | 23-100kW | 69 | 69 | 0 | £27.60 | 15.51 |
| Ultra-rapid | +101kW | 71 | 72 | -1 | £28.40 | 15.96 |
| PETROL | 151.19 ppl | 145.00 ppl | 6.19 ppl | £48.38 | 14.44 | |
AA EV Recharge Report August 2023 – Peak and Off-Peak rates:
| Charge Type | Speed | Aug Ave (p/kWh) | Jul Ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to charge to 80% | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Slow Off-Peak | Up to 7kW | 38 | 33 | 5 | £15.20 | 8.54 |
| Slow Peak | Up to 7kW | 50 | 53 | -3 | £20.00 | 11.24 |
| 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 | 57 | -1 | £22.40 | 12.58 |
| Ultra-rapid Peak | +101kW | 64 | 65 | -1 | £25.60 | 14.38 |
| PETROL | 151.19 ppl | 145.00 ppl | 6.19 ppl | £48.38 | 14.44 | |
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said; “Stability in electricity prices showcases the benefits of EVs when compared to the ‘rocket and feather’ approach for fuel pricing.
“As well as limited movement in the price paid at the device, unlike fuel there is more uniformity in the cost drivers pay wherever where they plug in, be it Padstow, Pontypool or Perth.
“As more drivers and businesses make the switch to electric, many may look back at their days owning a petrol or diesel car and wonder why charge point companies can keep costs consistent across the UK but the fuel trade can’t.”
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.
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.
