FairCharge’s Post

This morning, I’ve been speaking with BBC Radio 4's Today programme about wholesale energy prices and their correlation with EV charging costs, following a new RAC report. I just want to pick up here on a few of the points raised. Substantial investment is being made by InstaVolt, and other charge point operators, to create the sustainable EV charging infrastructure needed for the UK’s growing fleet of EV drivers. Investment that is made without any financial support from the government. We are happy to continue to drive this growth - and indeed will be investing millions more by 2030 – remaining fully committed to supporting drivers and making EV ownership as affordable as possible. This includes tackling the misinformation that continues to circulate around the cost and benefits of making the switch. As the report rightly highlights, wholesale energy prices are just one small piece of a complex puzzle. For example, while those prices may have dropped, in tandem we've seen standing charges increase exponentially in recent years. Against this backdrop, we continue to look for all possible means by which we can reduce costs for drivers, such as through our off-peak tariffs and partnerships with innovators such as Octopus Electroverse, including pushing for a levelling up of VAT to take public charging rates in line with home charging. A saving that we would pass on in full to drivers. Another example is how we will be deploying solar PV and battery technology – such as at our Winchester Superhub opening next spring – further increasing the sustainability of our sites, while also helping reduce expensive grid, standing charges and power costs. We are here for drivers and if we're to support them to make a successful transition then charging needs to be both accessible and affordable. Working closely with industry and government, we’re committed to making that happen. The full interview is available here (from 46:05 in) if anyone would like a listen - https://lnkd.in/exYWrkiB #evs #electricvehicles #electricfleet #evchargers #charginginfrastructure Quentin Willson Ben Kilbey Simon Smith Jo Kerr