EV charging prices are falling – and it could save you hundreds a year
January 22, 2026 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Planning a road trip in your electric car? Off-peak ultra-rapid charging is cheaper this year-end, making your journey faster and easier on the wallet.
Electric car drivers are getting some welcome relief at the charger, with new figures from the AA showing that the cost of charging away from home has fallen sharply – especially if you plug in at the right time.
Off-peak ultra-rapid charging, typically used on long journeys at motorway service stations, dropped by around 10% in December 2025. That means drivers can now expect to pay around 45p per kWh, making it as cheap – or cheaper – than slower public chargers during off-peak hours.
These cost cuts could save you a chunk of money. Charging an electric car from low battery to around 80% at an ultra-rapid charger during off-peak hours can now cost under £20, compared with more than £30 just a year ago at peak times, according to the AA Recharge Report.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Timing really does pay off
When you charge matters more than ever if you want to save. Networks that offer cheaper overnight or off-peak rates are now consistently the best value, while flat-rate chargers – where you pay the same price all day – have become steadily more expensive, the AA report found.
Over the past two years:
- Off-peak charging costs have fallen across most speeds
- Flat-rate public charging has risen, with some ultra-rapid chargers now close to 80p per kWh
- Home charging has become significantly cheaper, with average domestic electricity prices down nearly 25% since 2023
Many EV owners with smart energy tariffs can charge at home overnight for as little as 4p per kWh, making electric driving dramatically cheaper than petrol.
Here is a breakdown of peak and off-peak rates, according to the AA EV Recharge Report, December 2025:
| Charge type | Speed | Dec ave (p/kWh) | Nov ave (p/kWh) | Difference (p/kWh) | Cost to add 80% charge | Pence per mile (p/mile) |
| Slow Off-Peak | Up to 8kW | 45 | 45 | 0 | £18.00 | 10.17 |
| Slow Peak | Up to 8kW | 59 | 59 | 0 | £23.60 | 13.33 |
| Fast Off-Peak | 8-49kW | 45 | 45 | 0 | £18.00 | 10.17 |
| Fast Peak | 8-49kW | 50 | 50 | 0 | £20.00 | 11.30 |
| Rapid Off-Peak | 50-149kW | 58 | 55 | 3 | £23.20 | 13.11 |
| Rapid Peak | 50-149kW | 75 | 74 | 1 | £30.00 | 16.95 |
| Ultra-rapid Off-Peak | +150kW | 45 | 50 | -5 | £18.00 | 10.17 |
| Ultra-rapid Peak | +150kW | 58 | 59 | -1 | £23.20 | 13.11 |
| PETROL | – | 136.50 ppl | 136.70 ppl | -0.20 ppl | £43.68 | 11.93 |
EVs pulling further ahead of petrol cars
While charging prices are improving for EV drivers, petrol savings have been slower to appear at the pump. Although wholesale fuel costs have fallen sharply to 7p a litre, only about half of the potential savings have been passed on to drivers.
As a result, electric cars are now cheaper to run:
- Home charging costs about half as much per mile as petrol
- Off-peak public charging is still cheaper per mile than petrol
- Even ultra-rapid chargers now offer a cost advantage if used off-peak
For drivers covering average annual mileage, that difference can add up to hundreds of pounds saved each year.
Why some prices are still high
Not all charging is getting cheaper. Flat-rate chargers which are often found on local streets or older networks have seen consistent price rises. Since 2023, flat-rate ultra-rapid charging has gone up by around 13%.
The AA says this reflects a rapidly changing charging market, with new operators entering, older chargers being upgraded or removed, and pricing structures shifting as networks focus on different charging speeds.
A simple change could cut costs further
There could be better news ahead for EV drivers. Public charging is currently taxed at 20% VAT, compared with just 5% VAT on electricity used at home, which campaigners say unfairly penalises drivers without driveways.
The government is now considering cutting VAT on public charging to match home electricity. If this goes ahead, ultra-rapid charging could fall to around 66p per kWh, wiping out most of the increases seen since 2023.
The AA says this change alone could make EVs more appealing for drivers who rely on public chargers.
So, if you drive an electric vehicle – or are thinking about switching – charging is becoming better value, especially if you charge at home overnight, use off-peak chargers, and avoid expensive flat-rate tariffs.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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