MOTORISTS with electric vehicles (EVs) are set for an increase in the cost to charge their vehicles at council-run charging points.

Earlier this month Scottish Borders Council (SBC) announced that the charges for EV charging would increase in the new year.

At present the price of charging an EV on a slow/fast charger is 16p per kWh with a minimum charge of £1, and for rapid chargers it is 30p per kWh, with a minimum charge of £1 and and overstay fee of £1 per minute after 45 minutes of charging - the maximum overstay charge is £20.

From January 1, 2024, the price for charging an EV on slow/fast chargers and rapid charging points will double, with minimum charges and overstay fees remaining the same.

Next year charging an EV at a slow/fast charging point will cost 30p per KwH, and using a rapid charger will cost 60p per kWh.

Explaining the decision to increase EV charging tariffs, an SBC spokesperson said: "Due to recent rises in energy and charger maintenance costs, our EV charging tariff is being increased.

"The new pricing regime will ensure all ongoing costs are covered and will bring our prices in line with the market rate.

“This will ensure SBC is not undercutting existing or potential commercial operators that may be looking to invest in infrastructure in the region and brings our tariff more in line with neighbouring local authorities.”

There are 19 rapid EV charging points in the Borders, 13 fast charging points, and seven slow chargers.

For more information on EV charges and details on additional fees, visit the SBC website.

And to access an interactive map of EV charging points in the Borders and across Scotland, visit Charge Place Scotland.

The map also shows where chargers are occupied, available, or if their status is unknows.

The map includes the What3Words locations for all EV charging points.