Electric vehicle owners across the UK are set to see a significant increase in their monthly running costs from the start of the new year, following a correction to a previous news report.
Clarification on the £49 Monthly Charge
It was initially reported that households with driveways would face a new £49 monthly charge. However, this information has been corrected. The £49 figure relates specifically to a projected rise in electricity costs for Electric Vehicle (EV) owners, driven by the increasing Ofgem energy price cap. The charge is not a levy on driveways themselves.
The original article, published on 24 November 2025, contained the error. The publication, Birmingham Live, issued a formal correction on 1 December 2025, amending the story to reflect the accurate details.
Impact of the Ofgem Price Cap on EV Running Costs
The central issue is the adjustment to the Ofgem price cap, which regulates the maximum amount energy suppliers can charge for default tariffs. As this cap rises, the cost to power a home—and to charge an electric car at home—increases accordingly.
Analysts suggest that for an average EV owner charging their vehicle primarily at home, the elevated unit cost of electricity could add approximately £49 to their monthly energy bill from January 2026. This turns a key selling point of electric motoring—lower fuel costs—into a growing financial consideration for households.
What This Means for Drivers and Households
This correction is vital for consumer understanding. The financial impact is tied to energy consumption, not property features. The key points for drivers and bill-payers are:
- The increase is a direct result of broader national energy market changes, not a new tax or fee.
- EV owners who charge at public points may also feel the pinch if commercial operators pass on higher wholesale costs.
- All households will face higher electricity bills, but EV owners, due to their higher consumption, will likely see a more pronounced effect.
This development places a fresh spotlight on the total cost of owning an electric vehicle, at a time when many families are already managing tight budgets. It also underscores the importance of accurate reporting on complex financial and policy matters affecting millions of people.
