Prices for public EV charging across Britain are being slashed to save drivers around £150 a year.
The news was announced in the Budget 2026 yesterday, October 28, in a bid to give drivers that rely on electric vehicles some 'breathing space' in the current cost of living.
EV sales are up 36% on last year and more than 190,000 drivers have saved thousands making the switch to electric in the last year alone thanks to government funding.
But despite more drivers turning to electric vehicles, the government believe the current costs of public charging could cause some to be cautious to make the switch.
At present, there are over 124,000 public charging points across the UK, which is an increase of 7.4% year on year.
With the government's announcement of its lowered public EV charging prices, they hope to see drivers save on average around £150 annually, making the change seem more appealing.
The government also announced that from spring 2027, they will provide £100 million over 24 months in an effort to cut charging costs for drivers using public charge points near their homes.
This proposal will cover EV points found on residential streets, which currently make up a third of the current charging network.
Pensioners with income up to the value of the full new state pension (to be £13,040 from April 2027) will not pay tax. Mechanism not stated, I suspect there will be an effective increased pensioner allowance with a clawback for income above that. More when I know more. #Budget2026
— Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) October 28, 2026
The government have already committed £600 million to support the rollout of more EV charging points across the country.
This includes £480 million focused on the Local EV Infrastructure fund that supports local authorities and charge point operators installing over 100,000 more chargers across England.
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A government spokesperson said: "The government is committed to the electric vehicle transition, which is key to meeting our net zero goals.
"It's driving growth and productivity, offering drivers savings of up to £1,750 per year compared to diesel or petrol, and delivering cleaner, quieter towns and cities across the UK.
"Volatile fuel costs show why we must move away from fossil fuels to cleaner, homegrown energy."
Budget offers 'breathing space' in the current cost of living
Also in the budget, Chancellor John Healey announced:
- New State Pension tax allowance: Pensioners with income up to the value of the full new State Pension will not pay income tax during this Parliament.
- State Pension increase: More than 13 million State Pension recipients are set to receive a 3.9% rise from April next year, under the triple lock.
- Ex-mineworkers’ pensions: Every penny of the pension fund surplus will go to miners. Healey also pledged to continue working towards the full transfer of the guarantor’s fund.
- £100 energy payment: Around 20 million households in council tax bands A to D will receive £100 directly into their bank accounts this winter to help with energy bills.
- Energy bill support: The cut to VAT on electricity will be extended until July, taking £50 off the annual price cap.
- Fuel duty cut extended: The 5p-a-litre fuel duty cut will remain in place until July 2027, helping motorists, including pensioners who rely on their cars.
- Gas standing charges to be scrapped: The Government plans to abolish gas standing charges in 2027, according to Martin Lewis following his meeting with the Chancellor. The cost is expected to be shifted to unit rates, meaning some households could pay more.
- Lower supermarket prices: Tariffs on more than 100 supermarket products will be suspended to help keep the cost of the weekly shop down.
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