NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has taken the decision to introduce fees for Electric Vehicle (EV) charging at all its hospitals and healthcare sites.
With effect from Monday 22nd April 2024, anyone using an EV charging point will incur a fee of 45p/KWh. This charge complies with the NHSGGC EV Charging Policy, and it is in line with other public sector bodies across Scotland.
Access to EV charging sessions will be through an app provided by EV charging provider Fuuse, and users will need to download the app to access, and pay for, EV charging. More information on the Fuuse app can be found on the NHSGGC website.
To ensure the use of EV charging points is fair and equitable for patients, visitors, staff and members of the public alike, a maximum time limit of four hours will be applied to each session, at which point drivers will be required to move their vehicles. Failure to do so would incur an additional charge of £40.
NHSGGC is keen to make the change to new EV charging arrangements as smooth as possible, so it has created a document with additional information, and frequently asked questions. The document can be accessed on the NHSGGC website.
Paul Reid, Head of Transport and Travel at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “NHSGGC has a network of EV charging points available for use of patients, staff and members of the public. The cost being implemented is in line with other public authorities and will allow us to continue to provide and maintain an EV infrastructure on our sites, particularly as the number of EV vehicles continues to grow.
“Up until this point, NHSGGC has met the cost of EV charging equipment and the use of charging points was free for everyone. However, the cost of providing and maintaining such a service means that the implementation of a usage charge has become necessary.
“Setting up and using the Fuuse app is simple, and we are confident that the 45p/KWh charge is a reasonable one.
“We are aware that demand for EV charging is growing, so we needed to introduce a system that is as fair as possible for all users. The four-hour limit for a charging session will help us to achieve that, but it also means users will need to be careful when charging their vehicle as they will incur an additional £40 fee if they go over their time.
“We would ask that people don’t rely on our network of chargers as the sole source of charge for their car, but rather that they use them as a top-up service only. We would also remind people that provision of parking before or after charging cannot be guaranteed.”
