Electric vehicle users are paying far more to charge their cars in Dorset Council car parks than they would at home, prompting concerns from councillors who say drivers are being “ripped off.”
The council earns a share of profits from commercial operator Mer under a fifteen-year contract signed in 2021, which has so far brought in £36,000.
Councillor Andrew Parry, Conservative group leader, said he was shocked to spend more than £30 for about 100 miles of charge. “If the council wants to encourage electric car use, it’s going about it the wrong way,” he told colleagues.
Council figures show the rate at Dorset Council-backed chargers is 76p per kilowatt hour — significantly higher than the average fast charger at 51p, and more than ten times the 7p off-peak home rate.
Councillors also questioned whether giving up parking spaces for charging points was justified, with some car parks having up to three spaces taken for every two chargers.
Former highways portfolio holder Councillor Ray Bryan said public backing for the scheme was “limited” and that EVs were still out of reach for many residents.
Officers explained that installation has slowed due to planning and grid capacity issues, but said more on-street charging points are planned in the coming months.
Weymouth councillor Louie O’Leary described Dorset’s targets for electric vehicle growth as “unrealistic” and said charging access must improve before residents can be expected to switch.
However, Verwood Councillor Simon Gibson warned that without better charging provision, especially in tourist areas, the local economy could lose out.
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