27 September 2025
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, 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.
“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”
Elsewhere, EV drivers making their way across the UK for their summer holidays also enjoyed 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 revealed on Friday the extent of over-pricing for petrol and diesel across the UK (CMA fuel update: Prices at the pump remain high - GOV.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).
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 | ||
Public charging could be cheaper still
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.
They outline that 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.”
* Average prices are the PAYG options without connection fee as at 22 August 2025. Subscriptions are available for all charge point speeds which can unlock a cheaper p/kWh, however rates vary across provider. Peak and off-peak times vary between chargepoint operators.
Calculations based on adding 80% to a Vauxhall e-Corsa, 50kW, with a WLTP range of 221 miles. Adding 80% range equates to 178 miles of range. Vauxhall e-Corsa specifications here: Corsa_PSG_MY25_3_September_Library.pdf
Calculations based on Vauxhall Corsa 1.2L (100PS) Petrol with a 40 litre tank. 80% refuel = 32 litres.
Vauxhall Corsa specifications here: Corsa_PSG_MY25_3_September_Library.pdf
** AA UK EV Readiness Index | AA
*** Action on high energy costs needed to keep EV transition on track