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I’m an EV expert – parking at the supermarket could see you slapped with massive fine, don’t get caught

AN ELECTRIC vehicle expert has warned drivers that parking at the supermarket could result in a massive fine.

There are now over 760,00 fully electric vehicles (EV) on the roads as the UK starts to make the shift from petrol and diesel to battery powered cars.

Parking up at the supermarket could land drivers with a nasty fine
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Parking up at the supermarket could land drivers with a nasty fineCredit: Getty
EV drivers have been warned to check the rules before parking up
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EV drivers have been warned to check the rules before parking upCredit: Getty

However an EV expert has now warned drivers that need to be aware of the rules around parking to avoid being stung with a heft fine.

Mike Potter, CEO at DriveElectric, said there was now an increasing number of EV drivers who had been fined for parking in the wrong spot.

Mike urged EV drivers to ensure their car was charging when it was parked up. If not, you could be breaching a key condition of parking in the space.

And Mike has a particular warning for drivers parking in supermarket car parks.

He said: "Check if the parking space is free to park in at all times.

"With an increasing number of supermarkets offering free electric vehicle charging, it may be tempting to visit a car park after work, or late at night whilst the car park is less busy.

"However, drivers must be aware that some supermarket charging stations only offer free charging for customers.

"If the store is shut when drivers visit the car park, they are not classed as a customer and therefore will be fined for parking illegally."

Mike also warned that some parking spaces that are advertised as free will begin to charge drivers once their EV has reached full charge.

The charge starts at 50p per minute and rises to £1 when the charging station is 100% occupied.

And he warned drivers not to park in an EV charging station if you drive a petrol or diesel vehicle.