Drivers of electric cars have been found to have a 6p-per-mile cost advantage over petrol and diesel vehicles, with motorists urged to make the switch to greener vehicles to save on costs.
It comes after a report revealed that petrol prices remain stubbornly high despite predicted falls, with the average cost of running a car sitting at around 11.8p per mile.
But in contrast, electric car owners charging at home pay as little as 5.65p per mile under the current Ofgem energy price cap.
The cost gap has now provided a compelling reason for drivers to consider switching to greener vehicles as charging infrastructure continues to expand nationwide.
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The cheaper costs for charging electric vehicles hopes to encourage more drivers to make the switch
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Despite forecasts of a 6p-a-litre drop in petrol prices, the actual reduction has been minimal, the AA has warned, with the group finding that more than two weeks after predictions of £3-a-tank savings, the average price had only fallen to 134.7p a litre.
This represents just 0.4p below March's low point, the AA noted, with a further small decrease to 134.3p after the weekend.
The AA has now suggested that this sluggish response may be due to higher gasoline demand ahead of the US motoring season and UK retailers refusing to absorb rising wages and overheads.
Industry experts noted that pump prices might eventually decrease if economic concerns impact US holiday travel, but for now, petrol drivers continue paying significantly more per mile than their EV counterparts.
The AA's report revealed a range of charging options for EV owners, with home charging remaining the most economical at just 5.65p per mile on standard rates.
Meanwhile, variable rate kerbside charging offers nearly 2p per mile savings over petrol during off-peak hours. Even unplanned public charging has become more competitive, with average costs dropping 5.8 per cent in March this year.
Off-peak rapid charging was also found to beat petrol by 1p per mile, costing 10.6p compared to petrol's 11.86p, the AA revealed.
Ultra-rapid off-peak charging has been found to be particularly competitive at 10.62p per mile, while peak rates for various charging speeds range from 14.69p to 19.21p per mile.
The latest Department for Transport statistics found a significant boost in charging infrastructure across the UK, with a 28 per centincrease in publicly available chargepoints over the past 12 months.
Jack Cousens, head of roads policy for the AA, welcomed the drop in peak rate slow charging costs for EV owners without driveways.
He said: "Closing the gap on the so-called 'pavement tax' is a positive step, but the Government missed the chance to take bold action by retaining the 20 per cent VAT rate on public charging at the Spring Statement.
"Eliminating range anxiety is key to help drivers who are considering making the switch to electric have more confidence in the national network."
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Drivers of electric cars have a 6p-per-mile cost advantage according to the AA
GETTYHe added: "Word of mouth from family and friends has a big influence on future purchases, so hearing positive experiences with public charging can persuade others to consider an EV when they need to change their car."
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