Believ trials lower kerbside charging costs to drive EV transition

UK charge point operator, Believ, has cut EV charging rates in the London boroughs of Wandsworth and Waltham Forest, saving drivers up to 5p per mile with a newly-introduced 48p/kWh rate.

The new rate is a 15p/kWh reduction on the previous standard charge and equates to a 15p/mile cost based on a 4m/kWh efficiency figure.

The chargepoint operator says this means an EV will be 5p per-mile cheaper to run than a petrol car using its on-street chargers.

Believ CEO, Guy Bartlett, explained the price cut further highlights the advantages of transitioning to EVs and away from petrol and diesel cars.

“We know that price is one of many important factors drivers take into account when using EV charging networks,” he said. “It is also essential that charge points are reliable and easy to use.

“We’re delighted to be working with Wandsworth and Waltham Forest to install a charging network that meets these needs.”

The difference in costs between charging at home and in public has been a subject of much discussion within the EV world.

While EV owners charging at home on the best domestic tariffs can pay less than 7p/kWh, and even the standard energy rate is 24.5p/kWh, those reliant on public charging often face costs of 79p/kWh or more. In December, the RAC warned that this ‘gulf’ in potential running costs could hold back EV adoption.

It estimated that a driver charging an average EV at home could pay as little as £3.13 for a 10-80% charge, while those using ultra-rapid public chargers could pay up to £40.39. Even on slower 7kW kerbside or lamppost chargers, drivers still pay four times more than home charging costs.