How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle?
Switching to an electric vehicle (EV) can save you money on fuel, but only if you can charge your EV at home. Home charging is cheap and straightforward for drivers with a garage or driveway. But for the millions of UK drivers without off-street parking, EV charging without a driveway often means relying on expensive and inconvenient public chargers.
At Charge Gully, we’ve developed a solution that allows drivers to safely and legally charge their EV from home without a driveway, using an innovative cross-pavement charging cable channel. Charge Gully is a game-changer for anyone looking to reduce long-term charging costs.
So, how much does it really cost to charge an electric car, and what options do you have if you have an electric car, but have no driveway?
The Cost Gap: Home vs Public Charging
Charging an EV at home is the most affordable option for EV drivers. On a standard electricity tariff, charging your EV can cost as little as 7–14p per kWh. That’s about £5–£10 to fully charge a typical 40–60kWh battery – enough for 200+ miles.
In comparison, public charging is significantly more expensive:
Fast and rapid chargers cost around 75p–85p per kWh1
Slower public chargers can range from 50p to 65p per kWh1
That means a full charge on the public network could cost upwards of £30–£40. That cost adds up quickly, especially for drivers relying on them for daily or weekly use.
Why Charging an EV Without a Driveway Costs More
Most local authorities ban charging cables across the pavement for safety reasons. This makes EV charging without a driveway far more expensive because public chargepoints are the only option.
But why exactly is public charging more costly?
You’re paying for speed and infrastructure – Public chargers are more expensive to build and maintain.
VAT – Operators of public chargers need to buy electricity at the 20% VAT business rate whilst it is just 5% for private individuals.
No access to cheap tariffs – Home energy suppliers offer off-peak rates; public networks don’t.
Additional service fees – Contactless payments and roaming apps often charge extra.
That’s where Charge Gully can help.
Charge Gully: Cut Costs Without a Driveway
We created Charge Gully to solve a growing problem: how to charge an electric car from home without a driveway.
Our recessed cable gully lets you run a charging cable beneath the pavement surface. This means no trip hazard and access to cheap, off-peak home electricity. The result? You save money every time you charge.
If you're navigating EV charging without a driveway, Charge Gully gives you:
Safe, secure home charging
Up to 70% savings compared to public networks
Charge Gully enables at-home EV charging without a driveway, benefiting you with the same low charging costs as drivers with private off-street parking. You’ll be saving money from day one.
What’s Next for EV Charging Costs?
Energy prices may rise and fall, but home charging is expected to remain cheaper than public networks. Campaigns like FairCharge are pushing for VAT cuts on public charging, but the reality is: if you can’t plug in at home, you’ll keep paying more.
That’s why cost-effective solutions like Charge Gully are so important.
Ready to Save?
If you're tired of overpaying at public chargers or want to switch to electric but don’t have a driveway, invest in Charge Gully today. With our advanced system, EV charging without a driveway is easy. Check out the Charge Gully website to learn more.
If you want to install a Charge Gully at your property, contact us at hello@chargegully.com or call 01792 272548.
Notes:
Public charging rates based on data from the Zapmap Price Index (March 2025).