Off-peak ultra-rapid charging now the cheapest way to charge on the public network

January 29, 2026

Off-peak ultra-rapid EV charging has become noticeably cheaper, giving fleets and drivers new opportunities to cut running costs if charging can be planned around quieter hours.

The latest AA EV Recharge report shows that off-peak ultra-rapid prices fell by an average of 10% in December, dropping 5p per kWh to 45p/kWh. At that level, ultra-rapid off-peak charging is now on par with, or cheaper than, all other public charging speeds. For drivers willing to plug in overnight or early morning, adding 80% charge can now cost under £20.

Peak ultra-rapid rates also edged down by 1p/kWh, while other charging types moved in the opposite direction. Off-peak rapid charging rose by 3p to 58p/kWh, and flat-rate charging increased across fast, rapid and ultra-rapid speeds, pushing the cost of an 80% ultra-rapid charge to £31.60.

Compared with petrol, the AA says home charging still delivers around half the cost per mile, while off-peak public charging is now up to 1.5p per mile cheaper than petrol.

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, said: “Charge point operators offering peak and off-peak rates are the most competitive, whereas flat rate providers have seen steady increases.”