Highland Council To Almost Double Electric Vehicle Charging

29th January 2023

The Economy and Infrastructure committee of Highland council meeting on 2 February 2023 is recommended to almost double the cost of using its charging points for electric vehicles across the region.

A combination of the end of grants from Transport Scotland and the huge increase in the cost of electricity. Added to which there is an ongoing programme of adding new charging points to the network. The charges are to be set to be neutral and any surplus reinvested in the network.

The number of electric vehicles has been rising rapidly in the last year and this will continue.

The cost of charging even at the new rate will still be cheaper than petrol or diesel per mile.

The new rates are -

Journey (43kW+) Chargers:
• 70p per kWh
• £1 minimum charge
• Overstay charge applied after 45 minutes
• (+15 min grace period, £1/min thereafter)
Destination (22kW or less) Chargers:
• 35p per kWh
• £1 minimum charge

Destination (22kW or less) Chargers:
• 35p per kWh
• £1 minimum charge

Summary of Recommended Approach
1. The Council is not allowed to realise a profit from the introduction of any tariff; therefore, it is proposed any tariff must cover electricity costs and tariff management fees. Any surplus should be reinvested into EV Infrastructure network operations. This tariff is:
Journey Chargers:
• 70p per kWh
• £1 minimum charge
• Overstay charge applied after 45 minutes
(+15 min grace period, £1/min thereafter)
Destination Chargers:
• 35p per kWh
• £1 minimum charge

2. The tariff will be reviewed on a monthly basis (to ensure it is kept in line with current market trends) and any adjustment will be evidence driven supplemented by engagement with an external peer network. Existing governance will be used to examine financial reports to ensure the tariff price point remains fair and enables swift action to be taken in the event the tariff fails to recoup costs or surplus levels are excessive. Proposed adjustments will be presented to the EV Infrastructure Board for approval.

3. The structure will adhere to the guidance set out by the EVAS and follow good practice set by other local authorities in Scotland.

4. Going forward, simple terminology as outlined in section 7 is adopted to the description of common charge point types.

5. The tariff will be managed by the Climate Change & Energy Team and governed by the EV Infrastructure Board.

The paper to the committee is very detailed and can be seen HERE