Concern over cost of EV charges in Highlands
Is the cost of going green with hybrid electric motoring going to be too high for green tourists in the strath?
The question has been asked by one motorist who reckons topping up his battery is going to add hundreds of pounds to his commute – simply for trying to save the planet.
“This could put off electric vehicle motorists from around the country and beyond from coming here,” warned George Livingstone (pictured) who travels from Inverness three times a week to work at Grantown’s Remakery in the High Street.
“The council have opted for two charger designations, with the tariff 30p per kWh for journey chargers and 20p per kWh for destination chargers.
“A minimum charge of £1 will apply to all charging sessions, as will a 30-minute no return period. In the case of journey chargers, an overstay charge of £1 per minute is applied after 45 minutes.”
Mr Livingstone added: “Grantown has been classed as a journey charger and as such has the higher charges.
“These charges have been based upon individuals who drive fully electric vehicles and discriminate against those who run plug-in hybrid vehicles which do not have rapid charging capability.
“A full EV may well achieve an 80 per cent charge in 45 minutes – but a hybrid will barely reach 20 per cent.
“As an example, I drive 35 miles from Inverness to work at the Remakery using all electric, thereby helping in the reduction of harmful gases, I am likely to have about four miles left and a 45-minute charge will give me another seven or eight.
“If I go for a full charge under their policy I would need at least three hours, which would cost about £2.70 for the electricity – and £120 for the penalty charge!
“I therefore will not be recharging here and subsequently will use more hydrocarbon fuel. The policy clearly discriminates against hybrid car drivers.
“This will have a detrimental effect on the area in two ways. Firstly business. Just when we are all trying to get more people to come here and to stay longer, this policy will be in complete opposition to that, secondly as already mentioned more hydrocarbon fuel will be used in the area as people will just not recharge.”
Green local Highland Councillor Pippa Hadley also had concerns. She said: “It isn’t just the EV charge pricing that locals will struggle with – our low wage economy and astronomical rent and lack of availability of affordable housing will ensure we will struggle to make the transition as things stand.
“We need to understand the challenges of working with EV charging capacity and explore all funding options for provision to ensure that, once purchased, the investment in an EV can be made realistic in day to day terms, or the initial investment will not be made.
“Highland Council need to look at providing options that meet need – not focus on a tiered system that capitalises on situation.”
A council spokesperson said the tariffs were approved by the authority’s economy and infrastructure committee, and effective from last month.
She said: “The tariff is intended to recover costs associated with the operation and upkeep of the network, transitioning the council to a more sustainable operating model. The approach taken is fully endorsed by the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland and designed to enable the council to support and maintain the service but also to encourage best practice amongst users at charge points.”
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