Off-peak ultra-rapid charging now 2.5p a mile cheaper than petrol

AA calls for reform of VAT charges on public electric vehicle charging

A significant change by one chargepoint operator meant that peak rate fast charging saw a massive reduction in costs by 37p/kWh in August, according to the latest AA EV Recharge Report.

The operator in question, described by the AA as being “one of the more expensive ones”, no longer has any devices delivering speeds between 50kW and 149kW. In turn, it has opened the doors to more reasonable average prices being offered for fast charging.

Fast peak rate charging costs are now as low as 50p/kWh compared to 87p/kWh in July.

Elsewhere, EV drivers making their way across the UK for their summer holidays also saw price cuts for off peak ultra-rapid charging, with a 5p/kWh reduction compared to July.

The news comes as the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) revealed on Friday the extent of over-pricing for petrol and diesel across the UK.

Average off-peak ultra-rapid charging is now a clear 2.5p a mile cheaper than petrol.

Charging at home is at least 6p a mile cheaper than the average at the pump (the Recharge Report tracks the maximum allowed domestically by the electricity price cap).

The AA’s inaugural UK EV Readiness Index highlighted that one of the main barriers for EV adoption is the cost of charging in the public network, particularly if drivers do not have access to home charging.

One of the reasons is the difference in VAT between kerbside charging at 20% compared to 5% for those who can charge from a device connected to their property.

However, Charge UK has also highlighted that high costs being implemented on chargepoint operators are also hampering consumer cost savings. ChargeUK outlined how the industry has seen a 79% increase in their energy bills since 2021 and that standing charges have risen significantly, hamstringing operators the chance to price more competitively.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said: “The actions of one operator have made a massive difference to the price of charging, and in a positive way for EV owners. By removing themselves from the ‘fast’ market, they have delivered a 37p/kWh saving to EV drivers using these devices. But that’s not all, a targeted drop in off-peak ultra-rapid charging during the summer holidays meant that EV drivers were saving more than they expected.

“However, the cost of using the public network is still a sore subject for those thinking about making the switch, particularly if they don’t have dedicated off-street parking. Letting the government know about the high costs operators are up against is key, especially with the Budget due in November.

“With the right interventions, prices could be even cheaper and make the case for EVs even more compelling. Matching domestic VAT is just the tip of the iceberg, action on standing charges and extending levy exemptions would help keep charging costs down.”

AA EV Recharge Report, August 2025: Flat rates

Charge Type	Speed	Aug Ave (p/kWh)	July Ave (p/kWh)	Difference (p/kWh)	Cost to add 80% charge	Pence per mil (p/mile)
Domestic	Up to 7kW	26	26	0	£10.40	5.88
Slow	Up to 8kW	50	49	1	£20.00	11.30
Fast	8-49kW	61	62	-1	£24.40	13.79
Rapid	50-149kW	73	74	-1	£29.20	16.50
Ultra-rapid	+ 150kW	78	78	0	£31.20	17.63
PETROL		135.00 ppl	134.90 ppl	0.10 ppl	£43.20	11.80

 

AA EV Recharge Report, August 2025: Peak and Off-Peak rates

Charge Type	Speed	Aug Ave (p/kWh)	July Ave (p/kWh)	Difference (p/kWh)	Cost to add 80% charge	Pence per mile (p/mile)
Slow Off-peak	Up to 8kW	44	43	1	£17.60	9.72
Slow Peak	Up to 8kW	55	56	-1	£22.00	12.66
Fast Off-peak	8-49kW	45	54	-9	£18.00	12.20
Fast Peak	8-49kW	50	87	-37	£20.00	19.66
Rapid Off-Peak	50-149kW	55	54	1	£22.00	12.20
Rapid Peak	50-149kW	74	87	-13	£29.60	19.66
Ultra-rapid Off-Peak	+150kW	40	45	-5	£16.00	10.17
Ultra-rapid Peak	+150kW	59	55	4	£23.60	12.43
PETROL		134.90 ppl	134.10 ppl	0.80 ppl	£43.20	11.80