Scottish government releases vision to accelerate EV charging network growth

Credit: Transport Scotland

The Scottish government has announced that it has released its Vision for Scotland’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network. It comes as a new study shows that uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Scotland could be up to 16% higher than UK government statistics suggest.

The vision outlines the ideal public charging infrastructure, focusing on comprehensive and convenient access, user-friendly experiences, private investment, clean energy sources and integration with a sustainable transport system.

Transport Scotland plans to develop an implementation plan over the next year, consulting with various stakeholders to drive the actions outlined in the vision. The vision’s development involved engaging with communities, businesses and visitors to ensure their needs are met.

Fiona Hyslop, Minister for Transport, said: “I am pleased to launch the Vision for Scotland’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network. 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.”

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Scotland’s ChargePlace network, backed by £65 million in government investment, will play a vital role in the near future as the transition to a predominantly privately financed charging network takes place. The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, designed to attract £60 million in public and private investment, will support this transition.

The City Science study, published by the Scottish Futures Trust, revealed that EV numbers in Scotland exceed UK government data. This indicates a growing demand for investment in the future charging network. 

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.”

The Scottish government’s Vision for Scotland’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network sets a standard for the future development of charging infrastructure, aiming to meet climate targets, support EV adoption and encourage sustainable travel options across the country.