UK Rapid EV Charging Prices May Top £1 per kWh
Zest and The Fast Charge warn that Ofgem's fixed network fees could push public rapid charging prices above £1 per kWh by 2027.
Public rapid electric vehicle charging prices in the United Kingdom could exceed £1 per kWh by 2027, according to a report titled 'Reverse the Charge' published by Zest and the newsletter The Fast Charge. The projected price hike stems from a 2022 policy change by the energy regulator Ofgem, which shifted electricity network fees from usage-based charges to fixed fees based on connection capacity.
Average weekly fixed network charges for rapid chargers rose from £61.47 in 2021 to £440.13 in 2026, with further increases expected next year. The report argues these costs penalize operators and drivers who lack home charging options, potentially stalling infrastructure investment. While the Government of the United Kingdom allocated £100 million in the 2026 Budget to support low-powered local chargers, industry leaders claim this provides little relief for rapid charging networks.
Industry representatives are calling on Ofgem and Chancellor John Healey to implement reforms such as DCP 420 and DCP 454 to address capacity-based billing. Ofgem has acknowledged the high costs per customer and stated it is reviewing the findings of an independent government review to determine if rule changes are necessary.
