The AA’s May EV Recharge Report said that the off-peak charge dropped to 33p per kWh. It also noted that off-peak charging at the slow rate outside a home is, on average, below the Energy Price Guarantee of 34p kWh.

Meanwhile, the charges for peak times has dropped by more than a quarter from 72p down to 53p kWh.

As the Energy Price Guarantee has been extended up to 30 June, kerbside operators have changed their course with off-street parking using a specialist EV tariff provided by their energy supplier.

It is believed that the move will better reflect what is available for EV owners.

The fall in charging costs outside residential areas has coincided with the eight-month drop in average petrol prices coming to an end. Over the past fortnight, petrol has risen from a low of 143.04p a litre to 143.47p.

Higher EV charging at increased speeds

However, the less positive news for EV drivers is that the reduction in costs for charging has coincided with a hike in charging costs for escalating speeds.

This due to a reverse in off-peak and peak faster charging prices, as Government support for businesses providing charging facilities under the Energy Bill Relief Scheme has come to an end.

Some providers as a result have been unable to shoulder the cost increases for too long.

It is hoped that the latest developments are a short-term blip and that faster charging prices will eventually fall.

Kerbside charging falls a boost for many without driveway facilities

Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, said: “Drivers without a driveway looking to switch to an EV will be happy to see off-peak kerbside charging now cheaper than the Energy Price Guarantee. This means they will feel some of the benefit EV owners with dedicated off-street parking have.

“While the vast majority of EV charging is carried out at home, for those travelling further afield the rise in prices for faster charging has damped the good news. We hope this is a minor blip as electricity prices are predicted to fall later this year.

“Savvy EV drivers heading on a summer road trip should plan their charging stops at cheaper locations or time their journey so they can take advantage of off-peak rates.

“This only highlights why reducing VAT on public charging from 20% to 5% is so crucial in helping more people switch to electric cars. The Chancellor can deliver some positive and popular news at the Budget and we urge him to do so.”