EG Group Displays Live EV Charging Prices as Petrol Costs Soar

As petrol prices in the UK reach a five-month high of over 150p per litre, EG Group has begun displaying live electric vehicle (EV) charging prices on 50 of its forecourt price boards. This move comes amidst stable EV energy prices across the public network in March, according to the AA's EV Recharge Report.

Why this matters: The increased transparency in EV charging prices could play a significant role in encouraging more drivers to switch to electric vehicles, contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. As the UK continues to grapple with rising fuel costs, this development could have a lasting impact on the country's transition to more sustainable transportation options.

The report found that EV charging costs remained flat in March, with home and public 7kW charging staying at 29p/kWh and 52p/kWh respectively. Fast charging (8-22kW) held steady at 60p/kWh, while rapid charging (23-100kW) and ultra-rapid charging (101+kW) remained at 74p/kWh and 77p/kWh.

EG Group's initiative to add EV charging costs to its forecourt price boards is part of an ongoing effort to install live pricing at its charging stations since 2021. This allows EV drivers to quickly calculate the cost of ultra-fast charging on the go.

The AA welcomes this development, with Jack Cousens, head of roads policy, stating, "Prices that can be seen from the road will lead to good competition, and displaying them on price boards is great news." Cousens added that displaying charging costs will not only show the affordability of EVs but also raise the profile of charge points, as drivers will realize there are more available than they think.

Other forecourt operators, such as Motor Fuel Group (MFG), are considering adopting this transparent "marked pricing" method. The government also introduced a new law in November 2022 requiring charging operators to display the cost of charging either on the charge point itself or through an app or separate device.

In related news, Tesla has recently introduced live pricing data with its latest V4 Supercharger and opened Supercharger Membership to non-Tesla EV drivers for the first time, with a reduced membership price of £8.99/month. Sainsbury's new Smart Charge ultra-rapid service also displays live pricing data.

Despite industry-wide pressure, the UK government recently refused to cut VAT on public charging from 20 to five percent. The AA expressed disappointment at the decision and vowed to continue campaigning for equalizing VAT between domestic and public EV charging ahead of a general election.

As petrol prices continue to rise, the stable cost of EV charging and the increased transparency in pricing at public charging stations may encourage more drivers to consider switching to electric vehicles. EG Group's move to display live charging prices on its forecourt boards is a significant step towards improving the visibility and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure in the UK.

Key Takeaways

• EG Group displays live EV charging prices on 50 UK forecourt price boards.
• EV charging costs remain stable in March, with home charging at 29p/kWh.
• Increased transparency in EV pricing may encourage more drivers to switch to EVs.
• Other forecourt operators and the government are considering adopting similar pricing methods.
• Stable EV charging costs and rising petrol prices may boost EV adoption in the UK.