Summary
- Over £7 million in funding is being provided by the Scottish Government to encourage private investment in the EV charging network in various local authorities
- The funding is targeted to attract private sector investment, with a focus on rural areas, to grow Scotland’s public EV charging network
- The partnership between local authorities and the private sector will lead to more new and reliable EV charge points across Scotland
- The Scottish Government aims to have approximately 24,000 additional public charge points by 2030, mostly met by private sector investment
- The EV infrastructure fund aims to support Scotland’s commitment to phasing out petrol and diesel cars by 2030, reducing emissions and protecting the climate.
Article
The Scottish Government is investing over £7 million to encourage greater private investment in the electric vehicle (EV) charging network across various local councils. This funding is part of the government’s vision to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030 and reduce transport emissions to protect the climate. By partnering with the private sector, local authorities will work to expand the public EV charging network, particularly in rural areas of Scotland. This partnership aims to introduce more new and reliable EV charge points across the country to support the government’s decarbonization goals.
Fiona Hyslop, the cabinet secretary for transport, highlighted the importance of private sector investment in meeting the ambitious target of approximately 24,000 additional public charge points by 2030. Scotland currently has more public EV charge points per head of population than any other part of the UK, except for London, and is on track to reach 6,000 public charge points by 2026. The private sector is expected to invest between £40m and £55m in public EV charging in Scotland by 2024. Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, emphasized the readiness of their members to support the government’s vision for a just transition to electric vehicles through significant investment in charging infrastructure.
The electric vehicle infrastructure fund aims to create conditions that support private investment in EV charging infrastructure, with a focus on rural and island communities. Through effective partnerships with local authorities and the private sector, the goal is to ensure affordable and convenient charging options for motorists across Scotland. Jim Savege, chief executive of Aberdeenshire Council, representing the North of Scotland Partnership, highlighted the importance of collaboration and leadership in driving towards net zero emissions. The consortium of local councils is seeking a private sector partner to co-invest in expanding EV charging infrastructure in diverse urban and rural communities across the North of Scotland.
The funding provided by the Scottish Government will support the operation of existing EV charge points and the installation of new ones. By attracting further private investment, the aim is to create a robust and extensive EV charging network that meets the needs of motorists in Scotland. This investment is crucial in accelerating the transition to electric vehicles and reducing emissions from transport. Through a combination of public and private sector initiatives, Scotland is working towards a sustainable and environmentally friendly transport system that aligns with its climate goals.
The Scottish Government’s commitment to expanding the public EV charging network reflects its dedication to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation. By incentivizing private investment in EV infrastructure, the government is paving the way for a widespread adoption of electric vehicles across the country. With a focus on rural areas, the funding will help bridge the gap in charging infrastructure and support the electrification of transportation in all regions of Scotland. Through collaboration with the private sector and local authorities, Scotland is moving towards a cleaner and greener future for its transport sector.
Overall, the investment in EV charging infrastructure in Scotland is a significant step towards achieving the government’s climate goals and promoting sustainable transportation. By partnering with the private sector and local councils, the Scottish Government aims to create a comprehensive and accessible EV charging network that supports the transition to electric vehicles. The funding will enable the expansion of charge points across rural and urban areas, ensuring that motorists have convenient and reliable access to charging facilities. Through this collaborative approach, Scotland is leading the way in promoting EV adoption and reducing emissions from the transport sector.
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