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The charging postcode lottery: over 75% more in Cheshire

Written by Matt Ford · Published

Two GeniePoint car parks show how much charging prices can differ, even with the same rated speed and connector type.

On 8 November 2026, the GeniePoint website showed:

  • Moor Lane Car Park, Frodsham, Cheshire (WA6): 53p/kWh for a 7kW Type 2 socket, charger GP12059.
  • Lairage Multi-storey Car Park, Hitchin, Hertfordshire (SG5): 30p/kWh for a 7kW Type 2 socket, charger GP10117.

These are two checked site examples, not a comparison of every charger in Cheshire or Hertfordshire.

Over 75% more — here’s the maths

53p is 23p more than 30p. Divide that difference by the lower price and the increase is 76.7%, or about 77%.

For 20kWh of electricity, that means £10.60 in Frodsham versus £6 in Hitchin — a £4.60 difference in energy cost alone. Parking, connection and overstay charges are not included.

Why a network name isn’t enough

GeniePoint’s operator, Equans, says some chargers on its network are separately owned and their prices can differ. It directs drivers to the GeniePoint app for those schemes’ prices. That supports checking each site; it does not establish who set either of these two prices or why they differ.

Before plugging in, check the price on the selected charger or in the app, along with parking and overstay terms. Check availability too: the Hitchin screenshot marked connector 1 as faulted. A displayed price is not a promise that a connector is working.

If you can charge at home, compare an EV tariff as another option. Your total cost depends on the tariff, charging times and your household electricity use.

Sources

This is an estimate. Check final prices with the supplier. We don't cover every tariff.

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