No more free EV charge from Ecotricity

Ecotricity, which operates nearly 300 electric vehicle (EV) chargers spread across the United Kingdom (UK)’s highways, will be charging £5 for a rapid charge of up to twenty minutes starting Monday, according to a company release.

The 40,000 members of the company’s Electric Highway would also need to download a new mobile phone app to make payments as this will replace the card system. The app, compatible to Apple and Android phones, will enable users to manage their accounts, pay for charging, and locate the nearest available electric pump.

The change in the mobile app payment system will start on July 11 and is expected to be completed on August 5.

“The usage trebled in 2015 and it has been so successful in encouraging the uptake of electric cars that it is now necessary to start charging for the service in order to maintain and grow the network,” stated the press release.

Ecotricity has the most comprehensive car charging network in the UK and has powered a total of 30 million miles totally free of charge since 2011.