Why is EV public rapid charging so much more expensive than charging at home?

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In this video I look at why public EV charging costs so much more than charging at home. Many don't appreciate how much infrastructure and additional costs are required to provide public rapid charging and mistakenly compare it to the cost of their home electricity. High powered DC electricity at rapid chargers is not the same as AC power at home. It requires huge grid connections, expensive hardware, maintenance contracts, payment terminal contracts, rent and many other costs. On top of that the government is taking an additional 15% VAT on public charging as this is deemed a service so is charged at 20%, whereas electricity at home has only 5% VAT.
So while many assume the charging networks are making a fortune, the reality is the opposite and they're making a loss. It will take a long time before the charging networks recoup the infrastructure costs and return a profit.
Gridserve have recently reported a £82.7M pre-tax loss in 2024 and are shedding 81 jobs. They also made a £54.8M loss in 2023.
This video was filmed in July 2025.

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