Scottish Government publishes EV vision
A plan for Scotland’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network has been published by the Scottish Government to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector.
The news follows a new study that reveals uptake of electric vehicles in Scotland could be up to 16% higher than UK Government statistics suggest, it claims.
The plan sets out the ideal public charging network for cars and vans in Scotland, and is intended to assist public, private and third sector partners on what it required.
This year, Transport Scotland aims to develop and consult for an implementation plan that sets out how we will take forward the actions and ambition of the plan, which is structured around five themes: comprehensive and convenient; Meeting the needs of users; grown with private investment; clean, green energy; and a wider sustainable transport system.
Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: “Supporting the uptake of electric vehicles is a critical strand of our approach to meeting our climate goals and achieving a just transition to net zero.
“The Vision sets the standard of how Scotland’s public charging network needs to grow to support the rapidly expanding market of electric vehicles, and to support the needs of our communities, businesses and visitors alike.
“As the network grows, there are also clear opportunities for the private sector to support the operation of existing ChargePlace Scotland charge points under new arrangements, and ensuring this move is seamless and aligned with the Vision is critical.”
A spokesperson for ChargeUK, the voice of the EV charging industry said: “Our member organisations are already publicly committed to investing billions of pounds to deliver and operate thousands more charge points by 2030 creating jobs, supporting economic growth and enabling the widespread switch to electric vehicles.
“As an industry we look forward to working with the Scottish Government to ensure they can deliver the Vision and together we can provide a network that provides the right charging infrastructure in the right place for Scotland’s drivers.”
Neil Swanson, director of Electric Vehicle Association Scotland, said: “The public charge point network in Scotland has been at the forefront of EV uptake across our nation, and the Vision should help ensure that that growth is built upon. Ensuring that the expanding network works for all in society is key in this, something that the Association has advocated for at local, national and international levels, so we warmly welcome this being placed at the forefront of the Vision.
“Aligned with a strong and supportive policy to encourage shifts to public transport and active travel, the creation of innovative charging solutions outside towns and cities may see vehicles contribute to a more cost effective, stable energy system.”
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