Charging an electric vehicle at a public charging station often costs two or three times as much as charging at home. A new UK government study explains why: a significant part of the cost comes not from electricity itself, but from fixed costs associated with grid connections, power capacity and operating infrastructure that remains underutilized for much of the time. The same principles apply to businesses installing charging infrastructure for their own vehicle fleets.

UK Study: What Drives the Cost of Public EV Charging?

At the end of October 2026, the UK government published an independent study, Cost of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Review, led by Philip New. Commissioned by the departments responsible for transport, energy and finance, the review draws on evidence from charging operators, consumer organizations and local authorities.

Key findings:

• Rising public charging prices: Since 2021, prices have increased by 69% in real terms for slower chargers and by 94% for rapid chargers.
• Low infrastructure utilization: Energy utilization is approximately 3–7% for slower public chargers and 3–4% for rapid chargers. An average charger therefore operates for only around 5–12 hours per week.
• High fixed costs: At current utilization levels, fixed costs account for approximately half of operators’ total costs. These include equipment, installation, land rental, financing and network charges payable regardless of how frequently chargers are used.
• Increasing network charges: According to the study, operators’ fixed network charges are 83–283% higher than in 2021.

What Does the Study Recommend?

The recommendations include reviewing network charges, introducing a mechanism for trading renewable electricity certificates in transport, targeted support for drivers and charging operators, and support for battery energy storage systems at charging stations, particularly at rapid charging hubs.

According to the study, batteries can reduce required grid connection capacity and peak demand charges.

What Does This Mean for Czech Businesses?

The economics of EV charging in the Czech Republic follow the same fundamental principles. For charging infrastructure, electricity consumption is often not the largest cost factor. Available power capacity and the costs of securing it can be equally important.

The main cost factors include:

• A higher-capacity grid connection or a new transformer substation, which can significantly increase initial investment costs.
• Reserved connection capacity, which may generate recurring charges regardless of actual utilization.
• Short demand peaks caused by several vehicles charging simultaneously.

From January 1, 2027, a new electricity tariff structure will also apply to businesses connected to high-voltage networks in the Czech Republic. The maximum actual power demand will become an important factor in regulated charges. Uncontrolled fleet charging may therefore unnecessarily increase monthly electricity costs.

How We Solve This in Practice: Silnice LK

Silnice LK needed to electrify its vehicle fleet, including heavy-duty equipment, but the site had a grid connection limited to just 110 kW with 160 A protection. Upgrading the grid connection was neither technically nor economically viable.

We therefore designed and implemented a comprehensive energy solution consisting of:

• A 99 kWp rooftop photovoltaic power plant to generate electricity on site.
• A 2 MWh / 1 MW battery energy storage system comprising 10 FOX ESS G-MAX cabinets.
• EV charging stations for passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles.
• Our own Energy Management System (EMS), coordinating vehicle charging, solar generation and battery operation to ensure that the site remains within the limits of its existing grid connection.

The result is a fully functional charging infrastructure without the need to replace the transformer substation, making efficient use of the available electrical capacity.

The Silnice LK project received the Project of the Year award at SEF Awards 2026.

What Should Businesses Consider Before Installing EV Charging Infrastructure?

When planning corporate EV charging infrastructure, we recommend assessing not only the number of charging stations but also the energy capabilities of the entire site.

1. Number of vehicles and charging schedules: How many vehicles will need charging, and at what times?
2. Existing grid connection capacity: How much power is available, and what would an upgrade cost?
3. On-site electricity generation: How much charging demand could be covered by a photovoltaic system?
4. Battery storage and EMS: Would installing a battery and intelligent energy management be more cost-effective than upgrading the grid connection?
5. The 2027 tariff structure: How will fleet charging affect regulated electricity charges and maximum power demand?

A properly designed combination of solar PV, BESS and EMS can reduce demands on the distribution grid, limit power peaks and enable efficient charging of more vehicles even where grid connection capacity is restricted.

Corporate EV Charging That Makes Economic Sense

PV SERVICE PLUS designs charging infrastructure with a comprehensive approach to the entire site’s energy system: grid connection, on-site generation, battery storage and intelligent energy management.

Our goal is to deliver technically feasible and economically viable solutions tailored to the actual requirements of corporate vehicle fleets.

Email us at poptavky@pvsplus.cz or call +420 601 258 166.

We will prepare a solution proposal and return-on-investment calculation free of charge.

PV SERVICE PLUS Team

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Source: Philip New, Cost of Public Electric Vehicle Charging Review, UK Government, October 28, 2026. Read the study.