The rising cost of charging an EV

Even with persistently high charging prices, electric car leasing remains your most cost-effective route to cleaner, cheaper motoring

Want to know a secret?

Even with all the headlines about electric vehicle (EV) charging costs remaining stubbornly high, leasing an electric car is still miles ahead of traditional petrol and diesel when it comes to keeping your motoring budget on track.

Recent RAC Charge Watch data might seem concerning at first glance – but here’s the thing.

We’re going to show you exactly how to navigate these costs like a pro, and why an electric car lease deal is still the smartest move you can make this year.

The real story behind EV charging costs

Let’s get straight to the point.

RAC data from November 2024 shows that public rapid charging costs have remained stubbornly high, despite falling wholesale energy prices.

Here’s what you’re looking at:

• Rapid charging (50-149kW): 79.19p per kWh
• Ultra-rapid charging (150kW+): 77.67p per kWh
• Real-world cost: £41.18 to charge a family EV from 10-80% (about 170 miles of range on average)

But before you hit the brakes on your electric car dreams, here’s what the headlines don’t tell you…

Why electric car leasing still makes perfect sense

Home charging remains an absolute game-changer.

Off-peak home charging costs just 7p per kWh on average. Even on a standard domestic tariff, you’ll pay around £15 for a full charge.

To put that in perspective, home charging costs a seventh of the price of using lamppost chargers, and a tenth of the price of rapid charging.

You’re talking about massive savings every single month.

Why public charging costs what it does

Here’s something most people don’t realise.

The high cost of public charging isn’t just about energy prices – it’s about building the future.

• Infrastructure investment: The sector has committed to spending £6 billion ahead of demand and profitability
• Rapid expansion: A new public charger is installed every 25 minutes
• Network growth: 42% expansion year-on-year
• Futureproofing: Building now to meet drivers’ needs down the road

Think of it as paying for convenience and the infrastructure that makes long-distance EV travel possible.

Smart EV charging strategies that actually work

Ready to slash your EV charging costs? We’ve got you covered:

Home charging

• Off-peak rates: Just 7p per kWh
• Standard tariff: Still only £15.88 for a full charge
• Overnight charging: Set it and forget it convenience

Free charging

• 5,000+ free chargers across the UK: Use apps like ZapMap to find them
• Supermarkets: Some Aldi, Asda and Sainsbury’s stores have free charging to top up while you shop
• Scotland’s ChargePlace network: Free charging across the country

Smart public charging

• Plan ahead: Use apps to find cheaper charging networks
• Membership schemes: Can save 14p+ per kWh if you’re a frequent user
• Charge during off-peak hours: Can be cheaper
• Don’t charge to 100%: 80% is usually enough (and it’s cheaper and faster)

Drive smarter, charge less

• Use ‘Eco’ mode: Maximises range
• Regenerative braking: Recover energy when slowing down
• Plan your routes: Avoid unnecessary rapid charging stops

Why now’s the perfect time for an electric car lease

Here’s where it gets really exciting.

While public charging costs remain high, the total cost of ownership for electric cars is still significantly lower than petrol or diesel vehicles:

• Massive home charging savings (7p vs 79p per kWh)
• Lower maintenance costs (fewer moving parts)
• Reduced road tax (for the first year)
• Company car tax benefits (especially with salary sacrifice)
• Futureproof technology (that’s improving every year)
• Growing charging network (expanding by 42% annually)

Electric car lease deals: The smart solution

Rather than worrying about depreciation, charging infrastructure changes, and upfront costs, electric car leasing puts you firmly in the driving seat.

You’ll get predictable monthly payments with no nasty surprise repair bills, giving you complete budget control from day one. Every time you upgrade your lease, you’re getting access to the latest tech – better batteries, improved efficiency, cutting-edge safety features, and the newest infotainment systems that make every journey more enjoyable.

And here’s the beauty of it.

Not only are you covered by full manufacturer warranty throughout most of (if not all of) your lease term, but you can choose flexible lease terms that actually fit around your life. Whether you need a short-term arrangement or prefer a longer commitment, there’s a deal to suit you.

It’s motoring made simple. We handle all the complicated bits, you do the driving.

Popular electric car lease options

• Tesla Model 3: The premium electric experience with unlimited Supercharger network access
• MG4 EV: Outstanding value with impressive range
• Kia Niro Electric: Perfect family crossover with 7-year warranty
• Polestar 4: Scandinavian style meets punchy performance
• Volkswagen ID.4: Spacious family SUV with excellent efficiency

The bottom line: Electric is still winning

Yes, public charging costs remain high. But here’s the reality check:

• Home charging costs less than £16 for a full ‘tank’
• Petrol costs £65+ to fill an average family car
• Diesel costs even more (around £70+), plus higher road tax
• EVs have minimal servicing requirements
• Electric car leasing eliminates depreciation worries

Ready to go electric?

The EV charging landscape is evolving rapidly.

With massive infrastructure investment and government pressure to reduce costs, we’re building toward an electric future where convenience and affordability go hand in hand.

Want to explore your options?

Our award-winning team (that’s five Feefo Platinum awards and counting) make finding your perfect electric car lease as easy as ordering your morning coffee.

Next steps:

1. Browse our best electric car lease deals
2. Calculate your potential savings
3. Chat with our team – we’re here Monday-Saturday, ready to help
4. Complete your application form and get your leasing journey on the road

Sources: RAC Charge Watch, November 2024