Electric car charging station fees: how to check you’re paying the right price
If you drive an electric vehicle (EV) in the UK, you rely on public charging stations to keep moving. A recent report highlighted a concerning issue: a significant number of these public chargers may be providing incorrect readings, potentially leading to drivers being overcharged. For consumers, this isn’t just a technical glitch—it’s a direct hit to your wallet and a matter of trust in a growing part of the UK’s transport infrastructure.
This guidance explains what this issue means for you as a UK driver, how to spot potential overcharging, and the practical steps you can take to ensure you only pay for the electricity you actually use.
Understanding the risk of incorrect EV charging fees
The core of the problem lies in the metering at the charging point. Just like a traditional petrol pump, an EV charger should accurately measure the amount of energy dispensed (in kilowatt-hours, or kWh) and charge you accordingly based on the provider’s set rate. Reports suggest that faults or calibration issues mean some chargers are recording that they have delivered more energy than they actually have, resulting in a higher bill for the driver.
This is particularly important in the UK context, where public charging costs can vary widely. Rapid chargers on motorways are often more expensive than slower chargers at supermarkets or car parks. An error on a high-cost charger could see a notably larger overcharge. Furthermore, for those using salary sacrifice schemes or company cars where expenses are claimed back, incorrect charges can complicate personal and business accounting.
How to check your electric car charging receipt
Vigilance is your best defence. Most charging networks provide a detailed receipt via their app or email after a session. You should get into the habit of checking this. Key details to look for include:
The session energy (kWh): This is the amount of electricity the charger says it put into your car. Compare this to your car’s own display. Most EVs show the state of charge as a percentage and many can display the kWh added during a recent charge. While not perfectly precise, a large discrepancy (e.g., the charger says 50 kWh but your car only shows a gain of 40 kWh) is a red flag.
The cost per kWh: Ensure the rate charged matches the advertised rate for that specific charger type and your membership tier (if applicable).
The total cost: Do a quick mental calculation: energy (kWh) multiplied by rate (p/kWh) should equal the total, plus any possible connection fee.
What to do if you suspect you’ve been overcharged
If you believe a charging session has been incorrectly billed, you should take the following steps:
1. Gather your evidence. Take a screenshot of the charging receipt and a photo of your car’s display showing the battery percentage or kWh gained before and after the charge.
2. Contact the charge point operator directly. Use the customer service contact in their app or on their website. Provide your evidence clearly, stating the time, location, and session ID, and explain the discrepancy you have observed.
3. Escalate if unresolved. If the operator is unresponsive or refuses to address your concern, you can escalate the issue. For members of certain charging networks, there may be a formal complaints procedure. As a last resort, you can contact the Citizens Advice consumer service for guidance on how to pursue a claim for an incorrect charge.
Consumer rights and protections for EV drivers
While EV charging is a relatively new market, standard UK consumer rights still apply. Goods and services must be as described, of satisfactory quality, and fit for purpose. A charger that systematically overcharges could be argued as not meeting these standards. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has shown interest in the EV charging sector to ensure it remains competitive and fair for consumers, which adds regulatory pressure on operators to maintain accurate equipment.
It is also wise to monitor your bank statements when using pay-as-you-go chargers that take a direct debit or card payment, ensuring the amount taken matches your receipt.
For UK consumers, the move to an electric vehicle involves navigating new costs and technologies. Being aware that charging point errors can occur is part of this. By understanding how to read your charging data and knowing the steps to challenge a bill, you can protect yourself from unfair costs and contribute to higher standards across the UK’s charging network. Always keep a record of your charging sessions and trust your car’s data as a useful point of comparison.
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Source:
https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/one-three-electric-car-stations-090000309.html
