Electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint operator Osprey has become the first chargepoint operator in the UK to increase its prices to £1 per kWh, up from 66p per kWh.
It is the company’s second price increase in two months.
The decision has been made amid soaring wholesale energy prices, which have caused problems for the EV charging sector. Surpassing Ionity’s pricing of 69p per kWh, Osprey is now the most expensive EV charging supplier in the UK.
Last week, prime minister Liz Truss announced a £150bn support package to try and combat energy prices.
In a video message, Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey, said: “Until we know more about the government support scheme, we have no choice but to increase our prices.
“Of course, we want to reduce these prices, if we are able to do so.”
Johnston announced that all Osprey rapid chargers will now cost £1 per kWh to use, with the company operating hundreds of chargers across the UK.
Johnston has said he had “no choice” but to raise prices due to lack of government support amid “extraordinary circumstances in the energy market”.
The price increase will mean a dramatic change for some vehicle owners. For example, charging a Volkswagen ID.3 from 10% to 80%, which cost £16 twelve months ago, will now cost £40.
