Drivers in Scotland are encountering a significant cost increase for electric vehicles (EVs), with running expenses now potentially exceeding those of petrol cars. This situation arises as prices for public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers have escalated, with some costing up to 24 pence per mile, while comparable petrol cars can operate for as little as 15 pence per mile.
Motoring groups have highlighted that drivers who cannot charge at home are disproportionately affected. In Scotland, a higher percentage of households, over 50 percent, lack private driveways, limiting their ability to utilize cheaper, slower domestic charging options. This reliance on public charging networks means many are forced to choose between slow and inexpensive charging or fast but significantly more costly options.
A report from the UK Department for Transport indicated that tariffs for high-power public chargers have nearly doubled since 2021. The report noted that while EV drivers with home charging access still realize considerable savings compared to refueling petrol vehicles, this is no longer a certainty for those dependent on public infrastructure.
Data from Zapmap shows that out of 13,064 public EV chargers in Scotland, 3,441 are Rapid or Ultra-Rapid DC chargers. These offer a full charge in 10 to 60 minutes but come at a higher cost. Slower AC chargers, which take six to ten hours for a full charge, cost between 12-16 pence per mile.
The rising cost of public charging is identified as a deterrent to EV adoption, particularly for individuals without off-street parking. The Department for Transport report recommended the implementation of on-street charging hubs with capped tariffs equivalent to domestic rates to make EV ownership more affordable. In response, the UK government has pledged to explore solutions for lower local tariffs and committed £100 million towards reducing charging costs.
Transport Scotland has stated that grants are available for households without driveways to assist with installing EV chargers, such as the Cross-Pavement Charging Grant, which can provide up to £3,500 towards eligible installations. However, approval for these installations is subject to local authority regulations.