Large fall in peak time public electric vehicle charging cost

There was a 7p/kWh drop in the cost of peak time on-street slow charging for electric vehicles (EVs) in April, while off-peak residential rates fell by a penny in a month, according to the latest AA EV Recharge Report. 

When compared to the maximum at-home charging cost (Ofgem cap), the difference with peak kerbside charging costs is around 2p-a-mile less than a month ago (6.10p v 13.11p a mile now as opposed to 5.65p v 14.69p in March).

Part of this is due to the cost of domestic charging on the Ofgem energy price cap  – the worst possible rate an EV driver would pay – increasing by 2p/kWh.

While making conversion to an EV even more attractive, the fear is that April’s equalisation of the standard VED rate for electric cars with that of petrol and diesel cars may put off many potential buyers, says the AA.

Most EV drivers with the ability to charge from home using a dedicated home charger will charge their vehicle at considerably lower rates, often as low as 5p/kWh if they charge overnight, meaning the impact on their pocket is considerably minimal.

While pump prices continued to slowly fall over the same period, EV charging offered competitive rates when charging away from home, with off-peak ultra-rapid charging being a penny a mile less than petrol (10.62 p/mile compared to 11.77 p/mile).

AA EV Recharge Report, April 2025 - flat rates

AA EV Recharge Report, April 2025 - peak and off-peak rates

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “For the second month running, on-street residential charging has fallen meaning drivers can recharge for less closer to their home.

“This is important for those without any dedicated off-street parking, as it allows everyone to join the move to electrification.”

However, he added that the introduction of VED on EVs removes a key incentive for people looking to buy a used car.

“An annual tax saving of around £200 was not to be sniffed at, yet the unique move to hit owners in this way means people may stick with what they’ve always chosen,” he added.

“The AA agrees that all drivers should pay something towards road maintenance, but a fairer solution would be to offer a discounted EV rate until EVs saturated more of the UK car parc.”