Electric vehicle owners are facing a new £50 hike in charging costs as the energy price cap rises to £1,862 a year from this week. The increase, implemented by the Labour government, adds more than £220 annually to household energy bills, with EV drivers particularly affected due to higher electricity rates for home charging.
Nine EV Models Hit by Higher Charging Costs
According to WhatCar?, the new price cap means EV owners could pay between £20 and £50 more per year to charge their vehicles. The BMW iX3, named What Car? Car of the Year for 2026, currently costs £26.82 to charge from empty to full, rising to £28.38 under the new cap. Over a year, this amounts to an additional £52.12.
The annual difference for other models includes £33 for the Tesla Model 3, £32 for the Cupra Born, £32 for the MG4, £31 for the Kia EV3, £30 for the Audi Q4, £24 for the Renault 4, and over £20 for the Renault 5. In total, nine models are affected.
Expert Advice on Managing Charging Costs
John Wilmot, CEO of car leasing company LeaseLoco, said: “Unfortunately, the price cap change will affect those with an electric vehicle when it comes to home charging, and what we’re seeing is a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.” He advised drivers to “become savvy about their charging times if they’re not already. Charging overnight will remain cheaper so it’s worth making a conscious effort to charge then.”
Wilmot added: “The reality is that prices are fluctuating as a result of the ongoing changes in the energy market and for EV drivers this means they should keep an eye on tariffs and consider a fixed plan if possible.”
Tips for Reducing Charging Costs
WhatCar? recommended: “Consider a dual-fuel tariff and ensure you charge only during off-peak periods. Many electric cars and home EV chargers allow you to schedule charging, which you can set to match those off-peak periods. Some smart tariffs, such as Octopus Intelligent Go, can do this automatically.”
The price cap rise comes amid ongoing global energy market volatility, with experts urging EV owners to adopt smarter charging habits to mitigate the impact.
