Electric Vehicle Charging UK – Real Costs & Best Charging Options

Electric vehicle charging is one of the most talked-about topics in the UK today. As more people switch to electric car vehicles, understanding how much it really costs to charge your EV becomes vital.

Whether you’re looking into home charging, public charging stations, or driving a model like the Hyundai Ioniq 5, knowing the true EV charging costs can save you hundreds annually.

This guide covers everything from the cost to charge an electric car to comparing the most efficient car charging solutions in 2025.

How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Car in the UK?

The cost to charge an electric car depends on multiple factors such as location, charger type, and even the size of your EV’s battery. In the UK, most electric car owners use a mix of home charging and public charging, with each option affecting your wallet differently.

Average Home Charging Costs

Home EV charging is usually the cheapest option. On a standard UK electricity tariff:

• A full charge (60kWh battery) costs around £17.40 at 29p/kWh.
• On an off-peak smart tariff (e.g., Octopus Go at 9p/kWh), the same charge drops to £5.40.

Home setups also avoid queueing at a charging station, making it both cost-efficient and convenient.

Public Charging Costs

Public EV charging stations vary widely in price. Key points include:

• Slow chargers (7kW): ~40p–60p/kWh
• Rapid chargers (50kW): ~65p–85p/kWh
• Ultra-rapid chargers (150kW+): £0.75–£1.00+/kWh

So, topping up at an ultra-rapid charger may cost over £60 depending on the battery size.

Factors Influencing Charging Cost

• Tariff type (flat vs smart meter)
• Charging speed
• Charger provider (BP Pulse, InstaVolt, Gridserve)
• Location (motorway services often charge more)

Using public charging frequently can nearly double your EV running costs compared to charging at home. However, with the right plan, you can significantly reduce your electric vehicle charging expenses.

What Type of Charging Is Best – Home, Public, or Workplace?

Choosing the right electric vehicle charging option depends on your lifestyle, location, and driving habits. The three main methods – home charging, public charging, and workplace charging each offering distinct advantages and drawbacks.

Home Charging

Home charging is the most convenient and cost-effective method for most UK EV owners.

Pros:

• Lowest EV charging costs (especially on off-peak tariffs)
• Charge overnight while parked
• No waiting in line at a charging station

Cons:

• Requires a home with a driveway or dedicated parking
• Installation costs (£800–£1,200, though often offset by grants)

With smart chargers and cheaper night tariffs, home charging usually delivers the best long-term savings.

Public Charging

Public charging is useful for long journeys, city dwellers, or EV users without home setups.

Pros:

• Widespread network across supermarkets, car parks, and motorways
• Fast and ultra-fast options available

Cons:

• Higher EV charging costs, up to £1 per kWh
• Charger availability varies
• Time limits at some locations

Frequent use of public charging can quickly add up in cost, especially if used for full charges instead of quick top-ups.

Workplace Charging

Workplace charging is growing across the UK as employers support greener travel.

Pros:

• Often free or subsidised by employers
• Convenient if you park at work daily

Cons:

• Availability depends on employer
• Typically slower charging speeds

If available, workplace charging is an excellent way to cut costs and keep your electric car topped up during office hours.

Public EV Charging – What Are You Really Paying For?

Using public charging may seem straightforward, but the cost to charge electric car in public spaces often includes more than just electricity. It’s essential to understand what drives the pricing at each charging station.

What’s Included in Public Charging Costs?

When you plug in at a public EV charging point, you’re paying for:

• Electricity per kWh: This is the base cost, which varies between 40p and £1.00 per kWh.
• Access or subscription fees: Some networks require a monthly fee or charge a connection cost (e.g., £1 per session).
• Idle fees: Staying parked after charging may cost you 10–50p per minute.
• Network pricing models: Each provider (e.g., Gridserve, Osprey, BP Pulse) has its own pricing structure and member discounts.

For example, topping up 30kWh on a rapid charger at 75p/kWh would cost £22.50, but adding a £1 session fee and idle time can raise the final bill to over £25.

Additional Considerations

• App or RFID card access may be required
• VAT at 20% is added to public charging, compared to just 5% on domestic energy
• Some locations charge by time, not energy used

Public car charging offers speed and convenience, but understanding the full pricing structure helps avoid surprises especially for frequent users.

What Are the Costs Included in Electric Vehicle Charging?

Beyond electricity, electric vehicle charging comes with several hidden or one-off expenses. Whether you choose home charging or rely on public charging, it’s important to consider the full picture.

Upfront Costs

1. Home Charger Installation:
Installing a dedicated charger at home typically costs between £800–£1,200. Some energy providers offer discounts or bundled deals.

2. Smart Meter or Tariff Setup:
To access cheaper night-time rates, you may need a smart meter and a suitable electricity tariff (e.g., Octopus Go or EDF GoElectric).

Ongoing Costs

1. Electricity (Home Charging):

• Off-peak tariff: ~9–12p/kWh
• Standard tariff: ~28–30p/kWh
  A 60kWh EV battery could cost £5.40 to £18.00 per full charge depending on your plan.

2. Public Charging:

Costs range from 40p to £1 per kWh, plus potential session fees or idle charges.

Miscellaneous Costs

• Subscription Plans: Some public networks offer discounts via monthly fees (e.g., £7.99/month).
• Parking Fees: City-centre charging points may still charge for parking.
• Maintenance for Home Charger: After years of use, your charger may require repair or upgrade.

Understanding these EV charging costs helps new and existing electric car in UK owners make informed decisions especially when comparing it to traditional fuel costs.

Comparison to Diesel and Petrol Vehicles

Electric cars consistently prove to be more affordable to run than diesel and petrol vehicles, especially with home charging.

Fuel & Maintenance Cost Breakdown

Category	Electric Vehicle (Home Charging)	Petrol Vehicle	Diesel Vehicle
Annual Mileage (avg.)	8,000 miles	8,000 miles	8,000 miles
Fuel Efficiency	4 miles/kWh	40 mpg	50 mpg
Fuel/Energy Needed	2,000 kWh	~910 litres	~727 litres
Energy/Fuel Cost (avg.)	£200–£560	£1,320	£1,130
Annual Maintenance Costs	£200–£300	£400–£600	£400–£600
Vehicle Excise Duty (2024)	£0	£180+	£180+
Congestion/ULEZ Charges	Usually Exempt	Charged	Charged
Total Estimated Annual Cost	£400–£860	£1,900+	£1,700+

Long-Term Savings

Choosing electric vehicle charging at home over refuelling can result in annual savings of over £1,000, while maintenance savings compound further over time. For businesses, tax breaks and reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) rates add to EV appeal.

Other Ownership Costs to Consider

While electric vehicle charging is a major factor in running costs, there are several other expenses EV owners should plan for. These costs affect both personal and company car users in the UK.

Insurance Premiums

Insurance for electric cars can be slightly higher than for petrol or diesel models due to:

• Higher vehicle value
• Expensive battery replacements
• Limited repair expertise

However, as more EVs enter the market, these costs are gradually dropping.

Repairs and Servicing

EVs have fewer moving parts, leading to:

• Lower servicing costs (no oil changes, fewer brake replacements)
• Reduced risk of mechanical failure

Still, parts like tyres, suspension, and air conditioning require routine care.

Battery Replacement (Long-Term)

Most EV batteries are under warranty for 8 years or 100,000 miles, but eventual replacement may cost £4,000–£10,000. That said, most batteries retain 70–80% capacity even after a decade.

Home Charging Setup

If you haven’t installed one yet:

• Smart home charger: £800–£1,200
• Possible electrical upgrades if your home wiring is outdated

Charging Cables and Adapters

Some EVs don’t include rapid or Type 2 charging cables. These extras can cost:

• £150–£300 for a quality cable
• £30–£60 for a universal adapter

Incentives & Grants for EV Owners in the UK

The UK government offers several incentives to encourage the switch to electric car vehicles, helping offset initial costs and improve affordability.

Plug-in Car Grant (Now Ended for Private Buyers)

While the Plug-in Car Grant officially ended in 2022 for most private buyers, it still applies to:

• Wheelchair-accessible electric vehicles
• Taxis and commercial vehicles (under certain conditions)

EV Chargepoint Grant (For Homeowners & Renters)

If you’re installing home charging:

• Get up to £350 off the cost of a home EV charger
• Available to flat owners or renters with off-street parking
• You must use an OZEV-approved installer

Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS)

This scheme supports employers offering EV charging at work:

• Covers up to 75% of installation costs (max £350 per socket, up to 40 sockets)
• Great for businesses switching to electric car fleets

Road Tax & Congestion Benefits

• No road tax (VED) for zero-emission vehicles (until April 2025)
• Exempt from London Congestion Charge and ULEZ
• These savings add up annually, especially for city drivers

Conclusion

Electric vehicle charging is more affordable and accessible in the UK than ever. With options like home charging, public stations, and workplace schemes, EV drivers can save significantly over time. Government grants, zero road tax (until 2025), and lower maintenance costs add further value.

Though upfront costs exist, incentives and long-term savings make electric cars a smart investment. As infrastructure grows, switching to an electric vehicle becomes both a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice for UK drivers.

Written by [Ketan Borada / British Portal Team] – Founder of British Portal, dedicated to providing accurate and up-to-date information on UK public services and benefits.