Why AC Charging costs so much.

Off-street parking is a housing situation where you can park your car away from the public road, often with space to install a private EV charger. In the EV world, this matters because home charging is typically cheaper and more convenient than relying on public stations.

This segment is framed as an explainer about UK public charging prices in 2026. The hosts are setting up a breakdown of why public AC charging can cost more than home charging.

SMMT is the UK automotive industry body that publishes statistics like vehicle registrations and market share. In this episode, they’re referenced as the source for the claim that the UK has crossed 2,000,000 electric cars on the road.

An EV market share forecast is an estimate of how much of the overall car market will be electric in a given future period. The hosts mention it being revised downward, which they tie to questions about how growth and downgrades can happen at the same time.

AC charging means the charger supplies alternating current to the vehicle. The car then converts that AC power into DC power for the battery using its onboard charger, which is why AC charging behavior and pricing can differ from home charging setups.

VAT (value-added tax) is a consumption tax added to the price of goods and services. In the UK EV context here, public charging is taxed at a higher VAT rate than home electricity, which directly increases the per-kilowatt-hour cost.

This episode frames a cost gap between public and home EV charging as a policy-driven issue rather than a technical one. The key idea is that the same electricity (same energy unit) can be priced very differently due to taxes and tariff structures.

A kilowatt hour (kWh) is a unit of electrical energy—how much electricity you use. EV charging prices are commonly quoted as pence per kWh, so the same amount of energy can cost very different amounts depending on the charger type and location.

An off-peak EV tariff is an electricity pricing plan that charges less during designated low-demand hours. For home charging, using an off-peak rate can dramatically reduce the cost per kWh compared with standard pricing.

An AC charger supplies alternating current to the vehicle, which typically means the car converts that AC to DC internally. Because AC charging is generally slower than DC fast charging, public AC rates are often higher per kWh and can be a big part of why on-street charging costs more.

ZAPMAP is a UK EV charging data service, and a “weighted average” means the typical price is calculated while accounting for how much charging occurs at different sites or power levels. Here it’s used to summarize what public AC and DC charging commonly cost per kWh.

A rapid DC charger delivers direct current directly to the vehicle’s battery system, which avoids the car doing as much conversion work. That’s why DC fast charging can be much faster than AC charging, and in this episode it’s also shown to have a different (often higher) weighted average price per kWh.

“Pavement tax” is a nickname used for the extra cost of public EV charging compared with home charging, driven here by the VAT rate difference. The term emphasizes that the higher tax burden is tied to charging on public roads and pavements.

HMRC is Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs, the UK government department responsible for collecting taxes. In this episode, HMRC’s interpretation and appeal of VAT rules is presented as the reason public EV charging can be taxed at a higher rate than home electricity.

Charging on a public street usually means the EVSE (charging equipment) is installed and permitted in a regulated public location, which can trigger higher administrative and grid-connection costs than a private driveway. Those costs can flow through into the price per session or per kilowatt-hour.

Utilisation is how much of the time an EV charger is actually used versus sitting idle. Low utilisation makes the business harder to break even because fixed costs (like grid connection and site fees) still accrue even when the charger isn’t delivering energy.

The Dodge Charger is a performance-focused sedan (and in many markets, a muscle-car style model) known for strong acceleration and a sporty driving feel. In a podcast about EV charging behavior, it’s mentioned in the context of how often it’s actually being charged versus sitting idle, which highlights real-world charging usage patterns. That makes it relevant to discussions about charging infrastructure and how drivers use their vehicles day to day.

A standing charge is a fixed daily (or periodic) network/grid fee that you pay regardless of how much electricity you use. For EV charging operators, it can be a major cost driver when chargers are idle because it doesn’t scale down with lower usage.

Grid connection refers to the process and ongoing costs of linking a charging site to the electricity network. It can involve infrastructure work and capacity charges, which become part of the operator’s fixed costs that must be recovered through charging prices.

Smart charging is a control approach that coordinates when an EV charges, often to match grid demand or time-of-use electricity pricing. The idea is that you can charge during cheaper overnight periods, which can lower the effective cost for drivers and reduce strain on the grid.

A loss leader is a pricing strategy where a company sells something at a loss to attract customers. In this context, the host suggests utilities may price home charging electricity very cheaply to encourage EV adoption and customer sign-ups, even if public charging economics remain unfavorable.

A public charge point is an EV charging station that’s available to anyone in a shared location like a street, retail site, or motorway service area. Pricing and reliability can vary a lot by operator, which is why the episode focuses on the disparity in what drivers pay.

DC fast charging is a type of EV charging that uses direct current to charge the battery quickly, typically at higher power levels than home AC charging. It’s often what taxis and other high-mileage drivers rely on, and the episode notes that some drivers are struggling with it.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are EVs that run only on electricity stored in a battery, without a gasoline or diesel engine. The episode uses BEV counts and registration data to mark the UK reaching two million cars on the road.

The episode highlights that SMMT cut its EV market-share forecast during the same period the UK hit a major BEV milestone. This creates a tension between headline growth and a slower-than-expected share of new-car sales.

A ZEV mandate target is a regulatory requirement for a certain share of vehicles sold to be zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), such as battery electric cars. The episode contrasts the UK’s EV market share forecast with the regulator’s targets, explaining why the milestone matters.

EV adoption is how quickly electric vehicles are being bought and used by everyday drivers. In this segment, the host argues that adoption is growing, but not as fast as the policy framework expected.

A policy framework is the set of rules and assumptions governments use to shape outcomes—like expected EV sales growth. Here, the host says the framework assumed faster adoption than what happened in the real market.

Discounts and incentives are financial offers (like price cuts or credits) used to make EVs cheaper and boost sales. The host argues that heavy discounting can distort the market by encouraging purchases that later show up as cheap used cars.

Fleet returns are vehicles that come back to the market after being leased or used by companies (fleets) for a period. The host says these returned EVs enter the used market at heavily depreciated prices, contributing to used EV price crashes.

A depreciated price is the reduced value of a car after it has aged and been used. In this segment, the host links aggressive EV discounting to higher depreciation when those vehicles later reach the used-car market.

Demand-led EV growth means EV sales rise primarily because consumers want them, not because manufacturers are subsidizing prices. The host argues the UK’s next phase should be driven by consumer demand that depends on affordable charging.

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is an electric version of the classic “Bus” concept, combining a people-moving layout with battery-electric propulsion. In the podcast, it’s mentioned as part of a broader discussion about Volkswagen’s EV lineup and naming/positioning. That makes it relevant when talking about what Volkswagen is trying to offer beyond standard compact EVs.

The Volkswagen ID Polo is an upcoming small electric car positioned as an affordable entry point for UK EV buyers. It’s notable for pairing a low starting price with a practical WLTP range and fast-charging targets, including a higher-range 52 kWh battery option.

WLTP range is the distance an EV is expected to travel under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure. It’s a standardized lab test used for comparing EVs, but real-world range can be lower depending on speed, weather, and driving style.

A 130 kW rapid charger refers to a high-power DC fast-charging station capable of delivering up to 130 kilowatts to the car. Higher charger power can reduce charging time, especially from low to mid state of charge, though the car’s own charging curve still limits how fast it can actually accept power.

LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry is a type of EV battery cell chemistry. It’s often chosen for its durability and safety characteristics, and it can be cost-effective, though it may have different energy density compared with other lithium chemistries.

The Toyota Supra is a sports coupe designed for driving excitement, with a focus on acceleration, handling, and driver engagement. In this episode, it’s discussed in an EV-charging context, comparing charging times and battery chemistry (LFP) on different charger power levels. That’s significant because it shows how charging speed can vary depending on the battery and charger, even when the overall results are “fine.”

A 90 kW charger is another DC fast-charging power level used to estimate how quickly an EV can add energy. The actual time depends on the car’s battery and charging limits, but higher kW generally helps reduce time for the same charge window.

VW’s MEB/MEB+ (here called “MEP plus”) is a modular electric vehicle platform designed to standardize EV components and packaging. Using the same platform across multiple models helps manufacturers reduce development complexity and improve manufacturing efficiency.

The “5 E-Tech Electric” refers to the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric, an all-electric version of the Renault 5 concept. The episode context points to interior and packaging details—like how the cabin is laid out and how space compares to other small cars—because those factors strongly affect everyday usability. It’s discussed as a small EV that aims to deliver practicality in a compact footprint.

The Volkswagen ID.4 is an all-electric compact SUV built around battery-electric power rather than a traditional engine. The episode references it alongside the ID.3 and Golf Mk8 to describe how Volkswagen’s newer interior controls and button/feedback design work. That’s important because EVs are often used with frequent charging and daily touchscreen/controls interaction, so usability matters.

The Volkswagen ID.3 is an all-electric compact hatchback designed for everyday driving with battery-electric power. The podcast references it along with other recent VW models to describe the feel and operation of the interior controls—especially the “proper buttons” versus other control approaches. That’s significant because the way controls are laid out affects how quickly drivers can use key functions without distraction.

Haptic sliders use touch controls that provide vibration or “feel” feedback instead of a traditional mechanical slider. In EVs and modern interiors, they’re often used to replace physical knobs/buttons while still trying to give the driver tactile confirmation.

Capacitive touch panels detect input based on changes in electrical charge when your finger approaches or touches the surface. In car interiors, they’re used for controls like climate or media, but they can be controversial if drivers prefer physical buttons.

The Volkswagen Golf is a compact hatchback that’s widely known for being practical while still offering a refined driving experience. In this podcast, it’s brought up as a reference point for how recent Volkswagen interiors feel and operate, especially the “haptics” and control layout. That makes it relevant when discussing usability and the day-to-day experience of newer VW models.

“Rock switches” are physical toggle-style switches that pivot or rock between positions, typically used for functions like airflow direction or climate settings. The speaker contrasts them with touch/haptic controls to emphasize a more traditional, tactile user interface.

The Citroën EC3 is cited as an EV that’s already available in the UK at a similar price to the upcoming Volkswagen ID Polo. The host uses it to show that buyers shopping now have other options besides VW’s delayed launch.

The Volkswagen Polo is used as the heritage anchor for the ID Polo strategy, with the host noting the Polo’s long-running sales history. The point is that VW is leveraging brand familiarity from the Polo name to make the EV feel like a mainstream continuation rather than a leap into the unknown.

A locking differential (locking diff) is a drivetrain feature that forces the left and right wheels on an axle to rotate together. That can improve traction when one wheel loses grip, which matters for a performance-oriented hot-hatch setup.

“GTI hardware” refers to the performance-focused parts and tuning associated with Volkswagen’s GTI identity—typically including suspension, brakes, and traction-related components. Here, the host specifically ties it to the upcoming electric hot hatch’s drivetrain/traction equipment.

Solaracap HPI is cited as the data source tracking used-car values for battery electric vehicles. The host relies on its monthly reporting to claim used EV prices rose 1.2% in May 2026.

A “used EV price floor” is the idea that used EV prices stop falling below a certain level because demand and supply balance out. In this segment, the host argues the data suggests that floor has been reached, since values rose for the first time in months.

Trade value is the price a car is worth in dealer-to-dealer or wholesale-style transactions, rather than the retail price a buyer pays. The host uses it as the metric Solarcap HPI tracks to infer a “used EV price floor.”

“Used EV values” refers to the market prices that pre-owned electric vehicles trade for. The segment treats these values as a headline indicator of how supply, demand, and depreciation are changing over time.

“Fleet turns” refers to when companies rotate their vehicle fleets—selling off older cars and replacing them with newer ones. When many fleets do this at once, it increases used-car supply and can push prices down.

BEV stands for Battery Electric Vehicle—an EV that runs only on an onboard battery and electric motor, with no gasoline engine. In the used market discussion, BEV prices are specifically tracking how battery-only cars are depreciating and selling.

The running cost gap is the difference in ongoing costs between two powertrains—here, charging electricity for an EV versus buying gasoline for a petrol car. The host frames it as a major reason used EVs can be attractive even after depreciation.

An off peak tariff is an electricity pricing plan where the utility charges less for power used during certain nighttime/low-demand hours. For EV owners, it can dramatically reduce the cost per mile because home charging is timed to those cheaper hours.

Battery degradation is the gradual loss of a battery’s capacity and/or ability to deliver power over time and with charging cycles. It’s a key concern for used EV buyers because it can affect real-world range and long-term value.

State of health (SoH) is a battery metric that estimates how much usable capacity a traction battery has left compared with when it was new. For EV shoppers, a higher SoH generally means the battery has degraded less and should deliver better range over time.

Geotab is referenced as a source behind studies used to assess EV battery aging and real-world battery behavior. In this segment, it’s part of the evidence chain supporting the claim that EV batteries age less dramatically than many people assume.

DC fast charging uses direct current (DC) and high power to recharge an EV much faster than typical AC charging. When people talk about “DC fast rates,” they’re usually referring to the charging power available at those stations, which strongly affects how quickly you can top up on a trip.

GridServe is a UK charging network operator building high-power charging sites branded as “electric superhubs.” The episode cites GridServe’s expansion pace and number of high-power charging bays as evidence that UK charging infrastructure is growing quickly.

“Electric superhubs” are GridServe’s branded high-capacity charging locations intended to function like major motorway charging destinations. The key idea is scale: multiple high-power bays designed to reduce queueing and support fast charging for longer trips.

Folkestone M20 refers to a motorway location near the M20 route in the UK, used here as an example of where new charging bays are being added. Mentioning specific motorway corridors highlights how charging is being targeted toward travel routes rather than only urban areas.

This is the episode’s stated counter-narrative: the claim that UK EV charging infrastructure is not keeping up. The hosts then use charging statistics and new hub openings to argue against that idea.

“Long-distance CV driver” is shorthand for a commercial vehicle (CV) driver doing routes where time matters. The segment is arguing that faster charging infrastructure makes EVs more practical for that kind of work.

“400 kilowatt capable” refers to the charging hardware and/or the vehicle’s ability to accept very high power from a DC fast charger. Higher charger power can shorten charging time, but the car may not hold peak power the whole session.

“Range” is how far an EV can drive on a full charge (or how far a given charging session adds). When the host says “100 miles of range in under 10 minutes,” they’re describing how much distance the car can regain during a fast-charge stop.

EVED is a UK policy concept for taxing electric vehicles based on miles driven (“paper mile tax”). The host claims it adds a per-mile charge starting in April 2028, which changes the cost comparison versus petrol.

Fuel duty is a UK tax charged on petrol (and diesel), typically expressed per unit of fuel. Comparing fuel duty “per mile” helps estimate how much tax contributes to the cost of driving a petrol car versus an EV.

A depreciation curve describes how a vehicle’s value drops over time. When the host says the depreciation curve “flattens,” they mean price declines slow down, which can make used EVs hold value better than before.

In car terms, the boot is the storage compartment at the rear of the vehicle. When the host cites boot space (e.g., 435 litres), they’re talking about how much luggage/cargo you can carry.

An on-street charger is an EV charging point installed on public streets for drivers who don’t have a driveway. The host lists providers and emphasizes using smart charging overnight to take advantage of cheaper electricity rates.

An off-peak rate is an electricity pricing period when power is cheaper, usually late at night or during low-demand hours. EV charging at off-peak times can significantly reduce your total charging cost compared with charging during peak hours.

A destination charger is an EV charging station located at places where you spend time—like supermarkets or hotels—so you can charge while parked. These are often priced and scheduled differently than motorway rapid chargers, and can be cheaper for everyday charging.

Rapid charging refers to higher-power EV charging that can add significant range in less time than standard charging. The host notes that rapid charging on motorways is the most expensive option, reflecting the convenience premium.