Brief

Gridserve cuts ultra‑rapid EV charging rates by 20% for one day on 1 October

The discount aims to highlight the VAT disparity between home and public EV charging.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 01 Oct 2026 03:24:11 GMT

Gridserve announced that on 1 October it will reduce its ultra‑rapid public charging prices by 20 per cent for a single day.

The company normally charges between 85p and 92p per kWh for chargers capable of up to 400 kW. The one‑day offer will bring rates down to between 68p and 73.6p per kWh, according to the Independent.

For a typical 40 kWh top‑up, the saving works out to £6.80‑£7.36, which could total £353.60‑£382.72 over a year for a driver who charges weekly.

Gridserve says the promotion is intended to make the VAT difference between home and public charging tangible for drivers who cannot charge at home, such as those living in flats or without off‑street parking.

Rebecca Trebble, Gridserve’s chief customer officer, explained that the UK government is removing VAT on domestic electricity on the same day, but public charging will continue to attract the full 20 per cent rate.

Industry observers note that VAT is only one factor in public‑charging costs; operators also face expenses for installing and maintaining high‑power chargers, land rents and grid connections.

Key facts

Gridserve will cut ultra‑rapid public charging prices by 20 per cent on 1 October. (independent.co.uk)
Normal rates are 85p‑92p per kWh; discounted rates will be 68p‑73.6p per kWh. (independent.co.uk)
A 40 kWh charge will save £6.80‑£7.36 on the day. (independent.co.uk)
VAT on domestic electricity is set to fall to 0 per cent on the same day, but public charging will retain the 20 per cent rate. (independent.co.uk)
Rebecca Trebble is Gridserve’s chief customer officer and commented on the promotion. (independent.co.uk)