A MOTORIST says not enough is being done to promote electric vehicles.

Alec Newton, 68, is demanding that Brighton and Hove City Council pledges to make it easier for those who do not use fossil fuel powered cars.

The driver, who owns a Tesla electric car, says he is speaking on behalf of drivers across the city and thinks the council could install free fast charging points to encourage people to ditch non-electric cars.

Councillor Anne Pissaridou, chairwoman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee on the council, said the city was “leading the way” in provisions.

Bur Mr Newton, who lives near Coldean, said: “If you want to get rid of pollution, there’s lots of things you can do.

“One thing you can do is to stop the source of pollution and the amount that non-electric cars are pouring out is abysmal.”

His Tesla car, like all other electric vehicles, requires electric power to run which drivers can get at “chargers”.

Drivers can plug their cars into the chargers and there are about ten across Brighton.

Slow chargers may take many hours to charge but can be used free after a £1 “plug-in” fee. These are 7kw chargers.

Faster chargers normally come with a “plug-in” fee and an additional price per kilowatt. The electric hub near Withdean Stadium is the only fast charger in Brighton and Hove. It was out of service at the time of writing.

When in service, they can charge at 50kw an hour for 30p per kw. This will charge most electric vehicles in 20 minutes to an hour.

Mr Newton said: “We are the green city that should be showing people how it should be done.

“We need more chargers that are fast, affordable and free. If you want to encourage people to buy and invest in the future then you need to encourage it.

“I think Caroline Lucas [Green MP] should be waving the flag for electric vehicles.”

Mr Newton claimed it would take 20 hours of the council’s planned lamp post chargers for his car to get a full charge. He says these are planned to charge at 3kw.

Cllr Pissaridou said the council was leading the way on electric vehicles but admitted it must go further.

She said: “We are working hard to support and promote electric vehicle use in the city as part of our commitment to tackling the climate crisis.

“We are currently installing 200 new electric vehicle charging points across the city as well as four rapid charging hubs for taxis and we already offer a 50 per cent discount on residential parking permits for eligible low emission vehicles.

“But this is just the beginning.

“We are leading the way on this but must go further.”

The council boss said “going further” meant an expansion of the Bikeshare scheme, a local plan for walking and cycling and a 30-strong new fleet of “extended range” electric buses.

“Investing in and supporting sustainable travel is a key part of achieving our ambitious targets,” She added.