Good News At Last For EV Charging Costs

Could these latest AA figures encourage more businesses to switch to EV?

If you’ve been watching EV charging prices and wondering whether they’re ever going to head in the right direction, there’s some encouraging news to start the year.

New figures from the AA show that off-peak ultra-rapid charging costs have fallen by around 10%. In simple terms, that means charging at quieter times is now cheaper than it was just a few months ago – and in some cases, it’s as affordable as slower charging options.

For businesses running electric cars or vans, or those thinking about making the switch, this is an important development.

Why timing now matters more than speed

Ultra-rapid chargers are the fastest chargers you’ll find on the public network.

They’re usually associated with higher costs, but that’s starting to change.

According to the AA, off-peak ultra-rapid charging now averages around 45p per kWh, meaning a driver can add around 80% battery for less than £20 if they charge at quieter times.

That’s a big shift, especially for drivers covering higher mileage.

The key takeaway? When you charge is becoming just as important as where you charge.

Businesses that can plan charging around off-peak hours – overnight, early mornings or quieter periods – are starting to see real savings.

How does this compare to petrol and diesel?

Fuel prices dipped slightly over the same period, but even with that, EVs still hold a clear cost advantage in many cases.

The AA estimates that charging at home costs around half as much per mile as petrol.

Even public charging, when done off-peak, is now cheaper per mile than filling up at the pump – including on the fastest chargers.

That’s good news for businesses worried that public charging might wipe out the savings of going electric.

Not all charging is getting cheaper

It’s worth saying that flat-rate charging hasn’t followed the same pattern.

Across the board, flat-rate prices have crept up over time.

This reinforces the idea that choosing the right tariff and charging method matters more than ever.

Providers offering peak and off-peak pricing are currently delivering the best value, while one-size-fits-all pricing is becoming less competitive.

What should businesses take from this?

The main message is simple:

• EV charging costs aren’t moving in just one direction

• Smart charging choices can make a real difference

• Public charging doesn’t have to mean high costs

• Planning beats panic

For businesses with electric vehicles, this is another sign that EV running costs are becoming more predictable and manageable, especially with the right advice and setup.

And for those still on the fence, falling off-peak costs help remove one more concern about switching.

What Next?

EV charging is evolving quickly.

Prices are changing, tariffs are improving, and opportunities to save are opening up — but only if you know where to look.

At Cheshire Fleet Solutions, we help businesses understand the real-world costs of running electric vehicles, not just the headlines.

Whether you’re already electric or just starting to explore your options, we’re here to help you make sense of it all and keep costs under control.