Ultra-rapid charging costs fall as Iran–Israel conflict drives up pump prices

Ultra-rapid charging costs fell in May, giving EV drivers a further cost advantage compared to petrol drivers.

Peak and off-peak ultra-rapid charging rates fell by 2p/kWh in May

The latest AA EV Recharge Report reveals that as pump prices began to show volatility in the shadow of the Israel and Iranian conflict, EV drivers were already experiencing a 2p drop in peak and off-peak charging at the fastest speeds in May.

Petrol prices fell towards a four-year low of 132p a litre in May, bottoming out in early June, and knocked off 2.3 pence a litre in a month.

That benefit is now disappearing though as the impact of the Iran–Israel starts to show at the pumps. In the past week, average prices at forecourts have risen by around 2p a litre. While uncertainty in the region remains, drivers of electric cars are benefiting from comparatively stable electricity prices.

While May’s slow, fast and rapid charging prices held fast or saw reductions across the public charging network, the Ofgem energy price cap is set to fall further on 1 July, raising hopes for lower-priced charging for summer holiday EV travel.

But Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said more needs to be done to bring down the cost of charging on the public network. Currently, VAT on domestic electricity is charged at 5% whereas those using public charge points have to pay 20% VAT – impacting the c.40% of drivers who don’t have access to a driveway to install a home charger.

And with the 2030 ICE ban looming, the AA is renewing its call for the Government to help stimulate sales of new electric vehicles for private buyers.

It’s calling again for a ‘help to buy’ scheme that includes incentives such as 0% loans or a reduction in VAT, as also spotlighted by the SMMT.

Cousens elaborated: “There needs to be a targeted effort to help more drivers make the switch to EVs if the only stumbling block is the initial purchase price. At the moment, company car drivers and those with access to salary sacrifice schemes are propping up the new EV market. Ultimately, the more new EV sales that can be made leads to a strong used car market where most UK car sales are made.

“We are pleased that the SMMT has backed our calls for new car incentives, and we urge the Government to act as soon as possible to help the EV transition.”

AA EV Recharge Report May 2025 – Flat Rates

Charge Type	Speed	May Ave (p/kWh)	Apr Ave (p/kWh)	Difference (p/kWh)	Cost to add 80% charge	Pence per mile (p/mile)
Domestic	Up to 7kW	27	27	0	£10.80	6.10
Slow	Up to 8kW	50	50	0	£20.00	11.30
Fast	8-49kW	60	60	0	£24.00	13.56
Rapid	50-149kW	74	74	0	£29.60	16.72
Ultra-rapid	+150kW	78	78	0	£31.20	17.63

PETROL		132.30 ppl	134.60 ppl	– 2.30 ppl	£42.34	11.57

AA EV Recharge Report May 2025 – Peak and Off-Peak Rates

Charge Type	Speed	May Ave (p/kWh)	Apr Ave (p/kWh)	Difference (p/kWh)	Cost to add 80% charge	Pence per mile (p/mile)
Slow Off-Peak	Up to 8kW	43	43	0	£17.20	9.72
Slow Peak	Up to 8kW	58	58	0	£23.20	13.11
Fast Off-Peak	8-49kW	54	54	0	£21.60	12.20
Fast Peak	8-49kW	87	85	2	£34.80	19.66
Rapid Off-Peak	50-149kW	54	54	0	£21.60	12.20
Rapid Peak	50-149kW	87	85	2	£34.80	19.66
Ultra-rapid Off-Peak	+150kW	45	47	-2	£18.00	10.17
Ultra-rapid Peak	+150kW	63	65	-2	£25.20	14.24

PETROL		132.30 ppl	134.60 ppl	– 2.30 ppl	£42.34	11.57

Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as of 30 May 2025. Subscriptions are available for all charge point speeds which can unlock a cheaper p/kWh, however rates vary across provider.

EV 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 calculations based on Vauxhall Corsa 1.2-litre (100hp) petrol with a 40-litre tank. 80% refuel = 32 litres. Petrol: 32 litres @ 132.30 ppl = £42.34. Combined Low MPG of 52.3 = 366 miles at 11.57p/mile.