EV charging costs frozen as drivers call for clarity in 2026

AA EV Recharge Report: Prospective EV drivers hope for clarity in the coming year

The cost of charging an electric vehicle on the public network, regardless of flat rate or peak, off-peak rate offers and speed of charge, remained frozen from October according to the latest AA EV Recharge Report.

Even EV drivers who are unable to charge their car on a tariff set at the Ofgem energy price cap, drivers that have switched to an EV have benefitted from cheaper recharging, compared to the ongoing rise in petrol.

In one month alone, the cost of petrol rose 1.40 ppl, meaning the cost to refill a tank was in excess of £43, compared to just £10 at the OFGEM cap. For those EV drivers with a home EV tariff using a home charger, that price can be as little as £2.40 based on an average off-peak home tariff of 6p/kWh.

When reflecting on 2025, The AA’s latest EV Readiness Index revealed that despite good progress, the last 12 months has seemingly been filled with conflicting policies, advice, rumours and general angst amongst the driving public when it comes to EVs.

As 2026 rolls in, The AA is calling for clarity to help those who may have been confused or worried about choosing an EV to help make the change. This includes helping to install more EV chargers and pavement gullies, reducing the cost of charging away from home and introducing a grant to help bolster used EV sales.

When reflecting on 2025, The AA’s latest EV Readiness Index revealed that despite good progress, the last 12 months has seemingly been filled with conflicting policies, advice, rumours and general angst amongst the driving public when it comes to EVs.

As 2026 rolls in, The AA is calling for clarity to help those who may have been confused or worried about choosing an EV to help make the change. This includes helping to install more EV chargers and pavement gullies, reducing the cost of charging away from home and introducing a grant to help bolster used EV sales.