Increase to cost of public EV charging | AA calls for more rural chargers

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers have faced an increase in flat rate costs for both fast and rapid charging speeds, according to new analysis from the AA of the pricing of public charge points.

The AA’s EV Recharge Report for August reveals a two pence increase at fast chargers and a penny increase at rapid chargers coincided with the summer getaway.

Elsewhere, peak rate slow charging typically found at lampposts, fell by a penny in the month. All other prices remained static for the third consecutive month.

Much like fuel prices, drivers who are prepared to ‘shop around’ for a cheaper ultra rapid charger will pay on average 24% less at peak times and 34% less off-peak when compared to an average flat-rate charger.

AA EV Recharge Report, August 2024, flat rates

Charge Type	Speed	Aug Ave (p/kWh)	Jul Ave (p/kWh)	Difference (p/kWh)	Cost to add 80% charge	Pence per mile (p/mile)
Domestic	Up to 7kW	22	22	0	£8.80	4.97
Slow	Up to 8kW	51	51	0	£20.40	11.53
Fast	8-49kW	58	56	2	£23.20	13.11
Rapid	50-149kW	74	73	1	£29.60	16.72
Ultra-rapid	+150kW	77	77	0	£30.80	17.40
PETROL		142.30 ppl	145.10 ppl	-2.80 ppl	£45.54	12.65

AA EV Recharge Report, August 2024, peak and off-peak rates

Charge Type	Speed	Aug Ave (p/kWh)	Jul Ave (p/kWh)	Difference (p/kWh)	Cost to add 80% charge	Pence per mile (p/mile)
Slow Off-Peak	Up to 8kW	42	42	0	£16.80	9.49
Slow Peak	Up to 8kW	58	59	-1	£23.20	13.11
Fast Off-Peak	8-49kW	75	75	0	£30.00	16.95
Fast Peak	8-49kW	79	79	0	£31.60	17.85
Rapid Off-Peak	50-149kW	75	75	0	£30.00	16.95
Rapid Peak	50-149kW	79	79	0	£31.60	17.85
Ultra-rapid Off-Peak	+150kW	51	51	0	£20.40	11.53
Ultra-rapid Peak	+150kW	59	59	0	£23.60	13.33
PETROL		142.30 ppl	145.10 ppl	-2.80 ppl	£45.54	12.65

Rural distribution of EV chargers

Following analysis of recent statistics released by the Department for Transport (DfT), just 14.9% of chargers can be found in a rural area, despite a 37% increase in devices between October 2023 (5,992 devices) and July 2024 (8,225 devices), says the AA.

It is concerned that rural communities could be left behind when installing national infrastructure. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “EV drivers travelling across the country this summer may have been surprised at the timing of the most recent increase in prices.”

However, even with the slight increase, there are big savings to be had, according to Cousens. “Planning stops at ultra-rapid chargers during off-peak hours means driver could save a tenner compared to using a flat rate alternative,” he added.

“Away from popular attractions, finding a charge point can be more challenging.”

Proportion of public chargers available by rural urban classification in England