Cheaper to drive, but still tricky to charge – the EV dilemma

Recent headlines painted an encouraging picture for electric vehicle (EV) owners when they suggested that, thanks to an ongoing price war amongst major charging providers, it’s now cheaper to ‘fill up’ an EV than it is to refuel a petrol or diesel car.

In many respects, this is a welcome milestone in the path to net zero and it’s one that’s been long needed to help make EV ownership more financially accessible.

However, this newfound affordability doesn’t tell the whole story.

These lower prices are largely found at rapid and ultra-rapid charging hubs – the kind you’ll find at motorway services or in supermarket car parks – and whilst these provide a useful resource for those without a private driveway, it goes only partway to delivering equity in EV charging.

The reality is that much of the UK is still underserved when it comes to convenient on-street charging. Kerbside charging – where chargers are integrated into lamp posts, bollards or dedicated street units – remains patchy outside of major cities. For millions of drivers who park on residential streets, this lack of accessible charging makes switching to electric not only inconvenient, but often unfeasible.

If EVs are truly to be a viable alternative for everyone, the infrastructure must support that ambition. That means ensuring the cost savings of EV driving aren’t reserved for those with driveways or proximity to rapid charging hubs. Kerbside charging is the missing link – one that can deliver fairness, accessibility and confidence in the UK’s EV future.

At ADS Laser Cutting, we’re proud to play a part in supporting the UK’s growing EV infrastructure, working with a range of kerbside charging innovators and their manufacturing partners. Progress is being made, but for the UK to fully embrace its electric future, the focus must shift from affordability alone to accessibility too.

After all, what good is cheaper charging if so many drivers still have nowhere convenient to plug