Infrastructure + technology

‘Massive’ reduction in ultra-rapid peak charging costs

A 'massive' 13% reduction in peak rate ultra-rapid charging has been revealed by the AA EV Recharge Report for June 2025.
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James Evison

A ‘massive’ 13% reduction in peak rate ultra-rapid charging has been revealed by the AA EV Recharge Report for June 2025.

A 8p/kWh fall in a month comes as the AA revealed motorway petrol prices as high as 170.9p a litre, against a UK average of 134.8p in mid-July.

Recharge rates across all other speeds and times remained the same compared to the previous month, making EV running costs competitive across the board when compared to per mile costs for fuel, the AA said.

AA EV Recharge Report, June 2025. Peak and Off-Peak rates;

Charge TypeSpeedJun Ave (p/kWh)May Ave (p/kWh)Difference (p/kWh)Cost to add 80% chargePence per mile (p/mile)
Slow Off-PeakUp to 8kW43430£17.209.72
Slow PeakUp to 8kW58580£23.2013.11
Fast Off-Peak8-49kW54540£21.6012.20
Fast Peak8-49kW87870£34.8019.66
Rapid Off-Peak50-149kW54540£21.6012.20
Rapid Peak50-149kW87870£34.8019.66
Ultra-rapid Off-Peak+150kW45450£18.0010.17
Ultra-rapid Peak+150kW5563-8£22.0012.43
       
PETROL134.10 ppl132.30 ppl1.80 ppl£42.9111.72

The AA also commented on recent government policy, including introducing £3,750 grants on lower cost EVs, improved charging signage on the strategic road network, and cash for on-street charging.

It said that “investments are much needed to help a hesitant public reconsider their concerns towards electric cars”, as well as assist “those who want to take advantage of the cheapest means of charging, but are penalised by not having a driveway”.

But The AA said it “feels more can be done”, such as amending vehicle excise duty (VED) rates for EVs to “make them more enticing”, alongside equalising VAT on public charging with domestic energy.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for The AA, said:

“As families prepare to travel the length and breadth of the country, a fall in EV running costs is extremely welcome. A staggering 8p/kWh reduction in peak time costs at the fastest speed will not only keep the wheels turning but improve the image of motorway service areas.

“Currently, with motorway petrol and diesel so prohibitively expensive that filling up there is a last resort, ultra-rapid charging costs that offer a big pence-per-mile saving over pump fuel is a very significant turnaround in fortunes. AA EV charging cost monitoring shows that average ultra-rapid peak and off-peak rates are close to if not lower than average petrol prices.

“Somewhat timed to perfection are the recent announcements to help persuade drivers to consider electric cars when they are looking to upgrade their vehicle. AA members have long called for an incentive to help them make the switch, and a grant of up to £3,750 is most welcome. Similarly, grants to help those without driveways charge from home is a massive boost, as the cheapest way to power a car is on a home tariff.

“The recent announcements are brilliant first steps, but we urge the Chancellor to go further in her Budget later in the year. Matching VAT on public charging with home energy VAT as well as revising car tax rates could make a massive difference in the uptake of both new and used electric cars.”

Image from Shutterstock

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