Gridserve is increasing charging prices across its Electric Highway with immediate effect.

DC charging increases to £0.79p/kWh from 30 November 2023

From 30 November 2023, DC charging will increase to £0.79p/kWh. For standalone AC charging, the price remains capped at £0.49p/kWh.

In a statement, the charging and sustainable energy business said: “We’re undertaking the biggest investment in our history with 40 sites under construction to deliver a UK-wide high-power UK charging network at the speed and scale required to meet the demand of electric vehicles and help move the needle on climate change.

“The unprecedented rollout of Electric Super Hubs, Electric Retail Hubs and Electric Forecourts is not without its challenges and we often face delays and cost increases outside of our control. We do our best to mitigate these issues through clever solutions and innovative technology, but this comes at a cost.

“While we absorb a lot of this expenditure within our business operations, the continued need to unlock barriers and apply increasing amounts of resource to deliver a network that we can be proud of, does mean we are unable to maintain current charging prices at this time.”

Gridserve said the price increases take it in line with the rest of the industry, but stated that it’s working hard to keep pricing as low as possible in the long term.

It also committed to continued investment in “homegrown” solar power – such as its new hybrid solar farm on the outskirts of Rugby – enabling the company to produce more of its own energy and therefore giving greater control over energy pricing.

The energy firm added: “Any price increase is never an easy decision, but we hope that you understand it’s needed at the moment, so Gridserve can continue maximising our efforts and resources in expanding our UK charging network as quickly as possible to meet the climate crisis and deliver the best possible customer experience.”