Charging at home off-peak (7p/kWh) costs around 2p per mile. Petrol at 145p/litre and 45mpg is around 14p per mile. Public rapid charging at 70p/kWh costs around 20p per mile — sometimes more than petrol.
EV running costs only make sense if you understand which charger you're using. Here are the real UK numbers.
Is a 7kW home charger worth it? — Yes, if you do 8,000+ miles a year. Payback is typically 2–3 years on the kit, and it unlocks the cheap overnight tariffs.
Why are public chargers so expensive? — They pay business-rate electricity, fund the hardware, and absorb 20% VAT (home charging is 5%). Politicians keep promising to fix the VAT — nothing yet.
Bob's Mechanical Repairs — independent family-run garage in Birnam, Dunkeld, Perthshire. Call 01350 727 276 or email [email protected].