In a recent report from the RAC, it has been discovered that the average cost of fast-charging an EV in the UK has gotten a lot more expensive in recent months. For example, in the last eight months, the cost of using public rapid chargers has risen by more than 50%, now more expensive to use than petrol.

Yes, we know this is pretty nice news for headlines. A lot of people don’t use public chargers all of the time and can charge at home, this is a well known benefit of electric vehicles. However, for when people do use public chargers, it is at the moment at least, posting a bit more than running petrol – but again, petrol cars can’t be filled up for less, at home.

The RAC have reported that the cost of using a rapid charger, at up to 50KW has risen by 58% since May from 44.55p per kWh to 70.32p. For ultra-rapid chargers, at up to 100kW, the cost has gone up by 47%, from 50.97p per kWh to 74.49p per kWh.

The cost of charging on 50kW from 10-80% will cost around 80%, for an average electric car with a 64kWh battery pack. The same for 100kW will cost £38.39. Charging at home, this will cost just £17.87. When comparing this to petrol, it is a few pounds here or there. Filling up a car with 188 miles or range, at 155.11p per litre will cost £33.

Organisations, such as Faircharge which is actually backed by the RAC have been calling on the government to lower the VAT down to the same as domestic energy. The VAT on public chargers is 20%, vs 5% for domestic.

The UK government is still planning on banning the sale of all brand new pure combustion vehicles by 2030 and anyone wishing to purchase a new car, will have to consider a pure EV or a hybrid (up until 2035, when it is EV only). With more visible barriers in place right now, such as expense, broken chargers and more this will only make the switch to EV less desirable to consumers.