Analysis by the British Parking Association’s (BPA) EV Connect group led by Energy Saving Trust has revealed the cost of public charging is comparable to petrol and diesel.
In the analysis, the BPA took into consideration the issue around public charging, which is similar to paying for parking, where the consumer paying for a proportion of the total cost of installing and maintaining the infrastructure in the pence per kWh price.
Additionally, comparisons of home and public charging “do not account for the same costs at home”, in terms of installing and using a home charge point, against the costs of public infrastructure.
It found:
- Home charging averages 7p per mile (£55 per month)
- Public close to home charging is 16p per mile (£135 per month)
- Refuelling with petrol or diesel is 16p – 17p per mile (£135-£137 per month)
- Using exclusively rapid charging is 24p per mile (£197 per month) – more expensive than using fossil fuels
The BPA is calling for a “fair policy environment”, including addressing the disparity in VAT between home and public charging.
Isaac Occhipinti, Head of External Affairs at the BPA, said:
“There is often a perception that public EV charging is simply more expensive than charging at home, but comparisons are rarely made on a like-for-like basis. Public charging networks have to fund the infrastructure, maintenance, energy costs, insurance, business rates and grid connections needed to provide a reliable service wherever and whenever drivers need it.
“This analysis helps explain those costs and highlights why a fair policy environment, including addressing the disparity in VAT between home and public charging, is essential if we are to build the comprehensive charging network needed to support the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.
“Public charging is a vital part of the UK’s transport infrastructure and ensuring it remains affordable and commercially sustainable will be critical to giving drivers the confidence to switch to electric.”
Graphic courtesy of BPA
