An EV expert has spoken out at the inequality surrounding prices for electric car charging.
Research suggests there is more that could be done to help potential customers into electric cars, particularly when it comes to the cost of topping up the battery.
Charging an electric car using a public station has become increasingly expensiveGetty Images
The team at EV specialists electrifying.com found that charging an electric car is costing drivers without access to off-street charging £88 per month – or £1,056 per year – more than those with a driveway.
This is an increase of 10% over the previous year, when the difference was just under £80 per month.
Apparently, one third of drivers don’t have access to off-street parking, and with the 2030 petrol and diesel ban edging closer, it’s clear that something needs to be done to equal out this huge disparity.
Although energy costs continue to climb, drivers with the luxury of home charging can access cheaper night-time tariffs and can save thousands compared to those who rely on the public network.
One of the reasons for this is the higher 20% VAT rate on public charge points, as well as the installation and maintenance costs.
The electrifying.com team has revealed some worrying figures.
Based on a person driving a Volkswagen ID.3 for 10k miles per year, there would be a monthly charging cost of £15 if you were able to use a home charging setup.
But, those with no option other than using public chargers would face a much higher bill of £103 per month – based on a public charge point at 70p per kWh, which is the typical rate for a DC rapid charger found at a service station or supermarket.
Such a massive difference is effectively dividing the UK when it comes to the prospect of owning an electric car.
The current system favours homeowners with a driveway who usually live in more affluent areas, while those on lower incomes and without access to off-street parking are at a clear disadvantage.
Ironically, it also makes owning an EV much less attractive to drivers living in crowded cities – which just happens to be the type of area most in need of improvements to air quality.
Founder and CEO of Electrifying.com Ginny Buckley said:
“As a country, we need to do better when it comes to the levelling up of electric car ownership. Car buyers are embracing the electric revolution, with battery electric vehicles now boasting 16.2% of the market share.
“But electric car ownership should not be a privilege for the more affluent, we need to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place – and at the right price – so that we can bring everyone along on the electric journey.”