The Budget Made EVs More Expensive. Allstar’s Data Shows How SMEs Can Cut Costs by Up to 60 per cent
Posted by: electime 21st January 2026
New analysis of real world fleet data from Allstar, one of the UK’s leading EV, fuel and corporate payments companies, shows that fleets of every size are facing increasing cost and operational pressure as they transition to electric vehicles.
Alongside continued volatility in energy pricing, the Government’s recent Budget confirmed future changes to EV taxation, including a planned per mile charge for electric cars later in the decade. While this is not yet in force, it adds to the wider financial and operational complexity fleets are already navigating today.
Against this backdrop, Allstar’s analysis shows that charging strategy is now one of the most important factors influencing EV running costs, and one that fleets can directly control.
Allstar has modelled three typical fleet types using real usage patterns and current energy pricing across home, workplace, near-home and public charging. The results highlight significant cost differences between charging locations and show how a balanced charging mix can materially reduce operating costs while supporting day to day operations.
- Small fleet: A modelled fleet of 20 vehicles shows that charging costs can vary dramatically depending on where vehicles are charged. By increasing the proportion of charging carried out at lower cost locations such as home or workplace, the fleet could reduce annual energy spend by more than 60%. Even modest changes to charging behaviour can deliver meaningful savings over the year.
- Mid market fleet: In a modelled fleet of 75 vehicles, Allstar’s analysis shows that shifting charging away from a heavy reliance on public networks towards a more balanced mix can unlock annual savings of around 170,000 pounds. This provides a strong buffer against wider cost pressures and helps stabilise operating budgets.
- Corporate fleet: For a larger modelled fleet of 250 vehicles, the scale of the opportunity is even greater. Adjusting the charging mix to make better use of home, workplace and near home options could reduce annual charging costs by more than 560,000 pounds, demonstrating how charging behaviour has become one of the strongest financial levers available to large fleet operators.
The analysis reinforces the scale of cost disparity across charging methods. Home charging remains significantly cheaper than public chargers, and workplace charging can also deliver substantial savings depending on tariff. Public charging will continue to be essential for operational flexibility, but the data shows that a blended strategy is now key to managing EV running costs.
Tom Rowlands, Managing Director, Global EV Solutions at Corpay including UK brand Allstar, said: “Fleets are dealing with a lot of moving parts right now. Energy prices, infrastructure availability and future taxation are all adding to the complexity of running electric vehicles. What our analysis shows is that charging strategy is one area fleets can take control of today. Small changes to where and how vehicles are charged can have a material impact on costs without disrupting operations.”
He added: “We support fleets across every charging method, and we know public charging remains vital for day-to-day operations. What this analysis highlights is the importance of visibility. With the right mix of home, workplace, near-home and public charging, businesses can support drivers, improve convenience and keep EV costs under control as the market continues to evolve.”
Allstar will continue to publish guidance for fleets to help them build charging strategies that support drivers and control spend during a period of continuing cost pressure.
To find out more visit https://allstarcard.co.uk/ or contact our expert team on 0345 266 5101.
