Today, we are announcing some pricing changes across the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, with the amount you pay dependent on the location, power and payment method.
We are committed to making the GRIDSERVE app the best charging experience for our customers and as such our app price remains at 79p per kWh at all of our High Power chargers, meaning plugging in and paying via the app will be the cheapest and easiest way to charge on the GRIDSERVE Electric Highway. We continue to invest in our app experience for our users, currently giving them the ability to find, pay, charge, monitor and access receipts all in one place, with further exciting updates to come this year.
In other price changes across our contactless payment method, we are introducing location-based pricing, where customers will see a variation in pricing from 79p to 85p per kWh across our sites. The pricing at a given charging site will be based on its location, demand and costs. Customers will find location pricing clearly displayed on the charger itself, on our GRIDSERVE map and app as well as on popular third-party apps and maps. Regardless of location or payment type, our Type 2 (AC) units will remain at 49p per kWh.
We continue to work to ensure we are minimising costs whilst growing the network in the places that EV drivers need it, at pace. We support initiatives that would allow for the reduction of the price per kWh, including a reduction in VAT to 5% in line with the rates on home energy, so that those without access to home charging don’t have to pay increased VAT for charging out of home. Additionally, we are working with industry and distribution network operators to find a way to more fairly share the grid costs associated with installing infrastructure, so that today’s installations and outlays do not bear the costs of future proofing EV charging. Wholesale energy costs only make up 30% of our overall energy costs. Other costs including standing and capacity charges make up a significant portion of the energy part of the price per kWh, having increased disproportionately in recent years.
We are also supporting the call for renewable energy delivered through EV charging to be added to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation scheme which currently supports the sale of biofuels. When EV charging is included in these programmes across Europe, it has led to reduced pricing alongside increased network roll-out.
We will continue to look for internal and external factors that support affordability in the long term, whilst investing in a network that gives drivers the confidence to go electric. The GRIDSERVE Electric Highway will continue to grow and expand nationwide as we strive to make owning an EV easy for all, supporting the UK’s net zero future. In the meantime, we believe this price update offers the best balance between charging experience and value for our customers.
