Pursuing ultra-fast, affordable EV charging can save a third, but rural areas need better infrastructure

Fast and fast charging flat rate costs have increased in recent months, according to the latest analysis.

The cost of charging on fast chargers has risen by 2p, while the cost of fast charging has risen by 1p in August, the AA’s Electric Vehicle Charging Report shows.

The motoring organization is now calling for more fast chargers to be installed in rural areas, to prevent remote areas from being left behind in the national charging rollout.

While fast and fast charging costs rose slightly, peak charging rates on trickle chargers fell by 1p in August.

This will help EV drivers who use trickle charging to recharge their cars because they don’t have access to off-road parking or a home charger.

All other collection prices remained stable for the third consecutive month.

The AA advises motorists to shop around to take advantage of the cheapest possible charging rates; Comparing ultra-fast charging prices during peak hours will save an average of 24 percent, while off-peak savings are even higher at 34 percent.

Jack Cousens, head of road policy at the AA, said; ‘Even with the slight price increase, big savings can be achieved. Planning stops at ultra-fast chargers during off-peak hours means the driver could save a tenner compared to using a flat-rate alternative.’

The organization also calls on industry and government to improve public charging provision in rural areas.

Recent statistics released by the Department of Transport show that only 14.9 percent of chargers can be found in rural areas, despite a 37 percent increase in the number of devices between October 2023 and July 2024.

In July there were 8,255 devices, compared to 5,992 in October 2023.

Cousens said: ‘Drivers leaving busy urban areas will have found that the country’s charging infrastructure needs more investment in rural locations. Away from popular attractions, finding a charging point can be more difficult.

‘Meanwhile, the fictional town of Ambridge is in the process of opening its own electric vehicle charging centre, with a cafe and possible hair salons. If The Archers can build a charging station, others can make it a reality.”

How does each country in the UK rank in implementing charges?

Scotland is the best country in the UK for charger availability, with 103 devices per 100,000 people living there.

This puts it above the average provision in the UK, which is 96 per 100,000.

England comes second with 97 per 100,000, and Wales has a device-per-capita ratio of 88 per 100,000 people.

Northern Ireland, however, is far behind in terms of facilities: there are only 32 chargers per 100,000 inhabitants.

This follows reports earlier this year that Northern Ireland officials are “concerned” about their lack of charging points, which is causing NI to “fall behind the rest of the UK”.

There is also a North-South divide within England.

London has the highest availability of electric vehicle charging points in all of England.

Official records show that there are 234 chargers per 100,000 inhabitants, which is far ahead of the rest of the country in infrastructure.

The southeast has an average of 82 devices per 100,000, followed by the southwest with 80.

The West Midlands has a better ratio than both, with 92 chargers per 100,000.

In comparison, Yorkshire and the Humber have just 56 chargers per 100,000 people. And the northwest doesn’t fare much better with 60 chargers per 100,000.

However, the North East fares better overall, at 72 per 100,000, although it is the only area of ​​the UK that has not seen an increase in the number of devices in the last quarter.