Europcar Mobility Group UK has officially voiced its support for the government’s recent Budget announcement aimed at reducing electric vehicle (EV) charging costs at local, lower-powered charging points. The rental giant described the move as a “practical step” toward making the transition to electric mobility a more viable option for the thousands of customers who rely on public infrastructure rather than home charging.
However, the company also expressed disappointment that the government stopped short of cutting the 20% VAT rate currently applied to public charging. For many road users, the discrepancy between the tax burden on public charging versus domestic electricity remains a significant barrier to EV adoption.
Gavin Morgan, Commercial Director at Europcar, highlighted the critical role that rental vehicles play in the wider electrification of the UK’s roads. “For many, renting is their first experience behind the wheel of an electric vehicle,” said Morgan. “A positive first experience is essential to turning curious drivers into confident EV users. Measures that lower the cost of charging help ensure that happens and ultimately support the government’s ambitious net-zero targets.”
The government’s decision to focus on residential, low-powered chargers is expected to benefit urban renters who do not have access to off-street parking or private home charging units. By making overnight charging on residential streets more affordable, the government is addressing one of the primary logistical anxieties voiced by corporate and private rental clients alike.
Despite this progress, Europcar remains concerned about the rising costs associated with rapid and ultra-rapid charging networks. These high-powered chargers are vital for rental customers who are covering longer distances and lack the time for slower, overnight charging sessions.
“Prices for rapid chargers have unfortunately risen even faster than their slower counterparts,” Morgan added. “These are the chargers our customers rely on most when they are away from home. While we are encouraged by the new taskforce on ‘tariff porting,’ we strongly urge the government to look closely at the cost of high-speed charging infrastructure and the ongoing issue of VAT parity.”
As the automotive industry pivots toward a fully electric future, the accessibility of the public charging network has become a point of contention. Europcar emphasized that while government support for infrastructure is a step in the right direction, price transparency and affordability must remain central to the national strategy.
Looking ahead, Europcar has pledged to maintain its close collaboration with government officials and industry partners to ensure that the electric driving experience remains accessible to all. The company continues to position itself as a bridge for consumers transitioning to greener transport, arguing that rental firms are uniquely placed to act as catalysts for mass EV adoption if the surrounding cost environment is managed effectively.
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