Electric car owners could soon be hit by soaring coasts at public charge points as prices have jumped in just a few months.
New data from the RAC's Charge Watch indicates that publicly accessible 'rapid' chargers are becoming much more expensive, with costs increasing by 42 percent since May.
Over the past four months, public charging costs for electric vehicles increased by 18.75p on average.
It now costs drivers on average £32.41 to rapid charge a typical family-sized electric car with a 64kWh battery to 80 percent.
This is up nearly £10 since May and is £13.59 compared to a year ago. The increase has been caused by the soaring costs of wholesale gas and electricity.
Those who use 'ultra-rapid' charging - which have a power output of more than 100kW - have also seen an increase with charging prices up 25 percent, or 12.97p, since May.
'Ultra-rapid' charging now sits at 63.94p per kilowatt hour, and costs £32.74 for an 80 percent charge.
RAC EV spokesperson Simon Williams said: "For those that have already made the switch to an electric car or are thinking of doing so, it remains the case that charging away from home costs less than refuelling a petrol or diesel car, but these figures show that the gap is narrowing as a result of the enormous increases in the cost of electricity.
"These figures very clearly show that it’s drivers who use public rapid and ultra-rapid chargers the most who are being hit the hardest."
He adds: "The Energy Price Guarantee benefits those drivers who are fortunate enough to charge their cars at home, but for those that rely on the public charging network – including those without driveways – it’s a much bleaker picture right now."
This comes as the UK approaches October, when energy costs are set to skyrocket but have been capped at an average of £2,500 for homes.
While wholesale energy prices will be capped for six months, the RAC expert warns that charge point operators may have to hike their charges next Spring if wholesale costs keep climbing.
There are now calls for the UK Government to take action, protecting electric vehicle drivers from more charging price hikes.
Quentin Willson, founder of the FairCharge campaign, said: "With electricity costs up by an average of 140% on last year and the Government’s divisive VAT levy of 20% on public charging, EV adoption is under threat.
"This government needs to act on charging costs, cap rises on public chargers, lower VAT and support charge point operators to build infrastructure. If they don’t, all those years of promises of a zero-emission future, clean air and energy independence will have come to nothing."
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