Electric vehicle owners in the UK will see their annual home charging costs rise by up to £50 from today, July 1, 2026, as the new energy price cap takes effect. The cap on standard variable tariffs increases from 24.67p to 26.11p per kilowatt-hour (kWh), directly impacting those who charge their EVs at home.
How the Price Cap Increase Affects EV Owners
According to research from WhatCar?, the additional cost varies by vehicle model. Smaller EVs like the Hyundai Inster will see a smaller increase, while larger models such as the BMW iX3 could incur up to £50 more annually. WhatCar? calculated these figures using the usable battery capacities of popular electric cars, with costs based on the per-kWh rate including 5% VAT.
On average, electric cars travel about 10,000 miles per year and can go up to 300 miles on a single charge. This means a typical EV driver would need to recharge approximately 33.3 times annually. The price cap rise directly increases the cost per charge, leading to higher overall running expenses.
Expert Advice on Minimising Costs
John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing company LeaseLoco, commented on the impact: “Unfortunately, the price cap change will affect those with an electric vehicle when it comes to home charging, and what we’re seeing is a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” He advised drivers to become savvy about charging times, noting that “charging overnight will remain cheaper so it’s worth making a conscious effort to charge then.”
Wilmot also recommended avoiding public charging stations, using smart charging features, and charging efficiently by keeping the battery between 20% and 80%. He added: “The reality is that prices are fluctuating as a result of the ongoing changes in the energy market and for EV drivers this means they should keep an eye on tariffs and consider a fixed plan if possible.”
Broader Context and Implications
The energy price cap update is part of broader economic adjustments affecting UK households. While the increase is modest per unit, it compounds for regular EV users, adding to the cost of ownership. Drivers are encouraged to adopt cost-saving measures, such as time-of-use tariffs and efficient charging habits, to mitigate the impact.
