Increased fee for daytime EV charging in Solihull 

Council trials new dual-rate tariff for public electric vehicle (EV) charge points, with daytime charging more expensive than charging at night 

We all know that it can be cheaper to run washing machines and other appliances at off-peak times, when there’s less demand (though this can depend on our energy supplier and the particular tariff we’re on). Now the same principle is being applied to public EV charge points in Solihull. 

Photo by jwvein

The council has 62 public charging connectors across the borough, operated by SWARCO. Since 2021, there have been almost 10,000 charging sessions, providing drivers with more than 200,000kWh of electricity – that is, enough to power some 600,000 miles of driving. This, of course, supports the borough’s wider commitments to net zero and helping improve local air quality. 

Now, under a new trial scheme that began on October 2, the council’s public charge points have two separate prices. The night-time rate from 10 pm to 8 am remains at 42p per kWh. The daytime rate from 8 am to 10 pm has risen by 6p to 49p per kWh. 

This rise reflects the increased costs of energy to the council through its own electricity supply contract. The dual rate aims to cover these additional operational costs while encouraging drivers to charge their EVs when there is less demand on the grid and so less carbon intensity. 

Cllr Andy Mackiewicz, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Climate Change and Planning at Solihull Council, says: ‘The new dual rate tariff structure is being introduced as part of a 12-month trial and will be kept under review. We appreciate the increased cost to daytime charging will be disappointing to many customers, but we think this system strikes a fair balance, allowing us to cover our operational costs while giving customers greater flexibility when paying to charge. 

‘Locking in a lower overnight tariff means customers who rely on on-street charging close to their home can continue to benefit from public charging at the most affordable and competitive rate possible. 

‘Solihull has the highest proportion of EV ownership anywhere in the Midlands and through our EV strategy and accompanying delivery plan we are committed to supporting existing users and encourage greater adoption. We have ambitious plans to accelerate the expansion of our EV charging infrastructure. Next month, we hope to announce a new destination charging contract which will see a minimum of 200 new EV charging spaces installed within council car parks and local centres by 2026.’

In related news:

Cornwall beats target for installing EV charge points by more than 20%

First-of-its-kind strategic energy partnership between Coventry City Council and E.ON

Bradford Clean Air Zone leads to lowest levels of air pollution ever