In several metropolitan regions, vertically integrated energy companies own both the high-voltage distribution grids (providing wholesale power transmission services) and the retail rapid-charging stations that sell electricity directly to EV drivers. Independent rapid-charging networks must purchase wholesale power access from these integrated grid owners to operate and compete in the retail market.
Recently, municipal regulators have investigated antitrust complaints alleging that these integrated operators have engaged in anti-competitive margin squeezes to eliminate independent chargepoint competitors.
Fig. 1 – Wholesale Grid Power Access – average revenue and average cost per MWh
| Date | Average revenue per MWh (£) | Average cost per MWh (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2020 | 80 | 70 |
| Q3 2020 | 82 | 71 |
| Q1 2021 | 85 | 72 |
| Q3 2021 | 85 | 73 |
| Q1 2023 | 130 | 65 |
| Q3 2023 | 140 | 60 |
| Q1 2024 | 145 | 58 |
| Q3 2024 | 145 | 55 |
Fig. 2 – Retail Rapid Charging – average revenue and average cost per MWh
| Date | Average revenue per MWh (£) | Average cost per MWh (£) |
|---|---|---|
| Q1 2020 | 110 | 95 |
| Q3 2020 | 115 | 98 |
| Q1 2021 | 118 | 100 |
| Q3 2021 | 120 | 102 |
| Q1 2023 | 90 | 110 |
| Q3 2023 | 85 | 115 |
| Q1 2024 | 80 | 120 |
| Q3 2024 | 75 | 120 |
Integrated energy companies were accused of more actively trying to drive smaller independent charging networks out of the market in 2023 and 2024 than in 2020 and 2021.
Using Figs 1 and 2, explain what evidence there is to support this view.
