AA launches monthly Electric Vehicle Recharge Report

The AA has launched its new monthly EV Recharge Report, analysing the pay-as-you-go pricing across all chargepoint speeds available on the public charging network.

The report takes the average prices of more than 6,000 publicly available charging units across the UK, around a fifth of all devices (17%), to help drivers understand the cost of charging and help them determine the speed of charge needed while out on the road.

While many chargepoint providers offer a subscription service that unlocks slightly cheaper rates, the AA EV Recharge Report will give drivers an initial insight into the charge point costs they can expect to keep their EV running without subscriptions.

Fast charge cheaper than slow and EVs cheaper than petrol for p/mile

The November 2022 report confirms that domestic charging is the cheapest possible option for EV owners, even with prices on the governments capped levels. Domestic charging is also half the price of ultra-rapid options.

Interestingly, fast charging is on average cheaper than slow charging. Slow charging is usually found in on-street locations such as lampposts, whereas fast chargers can be found in car parks where people intend to stay for several hours. Fast chargers also represent the most common chargepoint in the public network outnumbering rapid and ultra-rapid devices by more than three to one.

However, slow charging providers often offer a subscription service which unlocks rates lower than the average fast charging price.

For those that do not have any form of personal dedicated off-street charging, running a diesel is cheaper than rapid and ultra-rapid charging, with on the road costs at 13.25 p/mile.

In contrast, all but ultra-rapid chargers, petrol is more expensive on a pence per mile basis (14.62 p/mile), but EV drivers using a combination of domestic charging and ultra-rapid top-ups is cheaper than running a petrol or diesel car.

Commenting on the launch of the report, Edmund King, AA president, said: “We are pleased to launch an EV version of our much-acclaimed Fuel Price Report5. This report will help educate and inform drivers looking to switch to an EV and show how the cost of charging moves over time.”

Commenting on the findings of the first report, Jack Cousens, the AA’s recharging spokesman, said: “Surprisingly, fast chargers are on average cheaper than slow charging, but subscription offers for on-street lampposts can be found with deals around 29 p/kWh.

“Most people will opt for pay as you go rates when away from home, especially if they top their EV up at rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. While the cost of recharging will always be cheaper than refuelling, EVs can lose out to diesel cars when looking at the pence per mile cost.

“However, those with a home charger reap the rewards of the cheapest rates possible. Many can also enjoy discounted rates if their energy provider offers an off-peak tariff for overnight charging.”