Electric vehicle drivers using public chargers in Brighton are facing price hikes of up to 80% from today, after the council called the previous, lower prices “unsustainable”.

Users of Blink Charging rapid charger sites in Brighton and Hove will pay 79p per kwh from today, up from 44p – a rise of just under 80% while lamppost and fast charger rates go up more than 50% from 39p to 61p per kwh.

The council blames the increased cost of electricity for the rise, pointing out many operators across the country have already done so, or are planning to.

“At the moment, Blink Charging is, in some cases, paying more for electricity than they are charging users,” it says. “This isn’t sustainable.”

The council promises to continue to monitor price changes, and should electricity prices fall, charges will again be changed to reflect this.

(Picture – Brighton and Hove Council)