In a stunning reversal that threatens to derail Britain's electric vehicle revolution, new research has revealed that charging an EV now costs more than filling up a petrol car for equivalent journeys.
The comprehensive analysis, examining real-world driving costs across the UK, delivers a devastating blow to government net-zero ambitions and could fundamentally reshape consumer attitudes toward electric car ownership.
The Numbers Don't Lie
According to the detailed study, charging an electric vehicle at public rapid chargers now costs approximately 10p more per mile than refuelling a petrol car. Even for drivers using cheaper home charging solutions, the financial advantage has dramatically narrowed to just marginal savings.
Key findings from the research include:
- Public rapid charging: 10p per mile more expensive than petrol
- Home charging advantage reduced to mere pennies per mile
- Significant regional variations in charging costs
- Peak-time charging prices approaching premium fuel territory
What's Driving the Cost Surge?
Several factors have converged to create this perfect storm for EV owners. Soaring electricity prices, particularly during peak hours, have combined with increased VAT rates on public charging to erase the traditional cost benefits of electric motoring.
The research highlights how the "pence per mile" gap has not just narrowed but actually reversed for many drivers relying on public charging infrastructure.
Government Policy Under Fire
This revelation comes at a particularly awkward time for Westminster, which continues to push ahead with its 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales. The findings raise serious questions about the financial burden being placed on British motorists in the transition to electric transportation.
Industry experts are now calling for urgent government intervention to address the growing cost disparity and prevent a consumer backlash against electric vehicles.
The Future of UK Motoring
As the traditional economic argument for EV ownership collapses, manufacturers and policymakers face an unprecedented challenge. The research suggests that without significant changes to energy pricing and charging infrastructure, the UK's electric vehicle revolution could stall before it's truly begun.
For millions of British drivers considering the switch to electric, this new financial reality may mean reconsidering their options and timing as the motoring landscape undergoes its most significant transformation in a century.
