Public EV charging in the UK is currently slightly cheaper than running a petrol or diesel car. According to ChargeUK, drivers using standard public chargers pay around 15p per mile, compared to roughly 17p for petrol and 17.5p for diesel.
For most EV users who combine standard and rapid charging, costs average about 16p per mile. However, drivers relying solely on ultra-rapid chargers pay more at around 21p per mile.
This shift hasn’t been driven by falling electricity prices, but by rising fuel costs in recent weeks. Data from Zapmap and the RAC shows that while EV charging prices remain relatively high, petrol and diesel have become even more expensive therefore tipping the balance.
Public charging costs have increased significantly in recent years, and the UK continues to have some of the highest prices in Europe. Industry leaders say government action is needed, particularly to reduce VAT on public charging and address high infrastructure costs.
