Electric Vehicle Charging: A Pricey Reality for EV Owners
Electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular in recent years, with the government pushing for their adoption. However, there is growing concern over the rising costs of public electric car charging, creating a potential financial burden for EV owners.
Disparity in Charging Costs
Depending on their charging setup, electric car owners can experience a significant difference in charging costs. Homeowners with dedicated chargers, smart meters, and electric car tariffs can charge for as low as 5p per kWh. On the other hand, those reliant on council-backed on-street chargers can pay up to 65p per kWh, a 1,500% premium for using the public chargers. This means that the same car could be filled for as little as £2.56 or as much as £41, based on the charging location. Additionally, idle fees can further increase the cost for public charging users.
VAT Discrepancy and Government Revenue
The disparity in charging costs is further compounded by the differing VAT rates applied to home charging (5%) and public charging (20%). This has an impact on the revenue the government receives due to the higher VAT rate on public charging. This has led to the RAC’s call to reduce VAT on public charging in order to alleviate the financial burden on EV owners, and create a level playing field.
Accessibility and Infrastructure Challenges
Motorists have raised concerns over the confusion and inconvenience of accessing public charging services from various providers. Additionally, there is limited availability of public electric charging units, especially for those without access to private parking. This highlights the need for increased investment in charging infrastructure to support the growing number of electric cars.
Call for Reduced VAT and Collaboration
In order to encourage electric vehicle adoption, there is a need for fair pricing, improved accessibility, and government support. This includes reducing VAT on public charging, and collaboration between car companies, energy providers, and the government to accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure.
In conclusion, the rising costs of public electric car charging are creating challenges for EV owners. This highlights the need for fair pricing, improved accessibility, and government support to ensure that electric cars are accessible to all.
