Scotland funds £7m for electric vehicle infrastructure.

The Scottish Government is taking bold steps towards a greener future by investing over £7 million in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure across various councils in Scotland. This funding aims to stimulate private sector investment in expanding the EV charging network, aligning with the government’s vision to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

Particularly targeting rural areas, the funding will enable local authorities to collaborate with private partners to enhance Scotland’s public EV charging network. The ultimate goal is to introduce more reliable and accessible EV charge points, promoting sustainable transportation, reducing emissions, and safeguarding the environment.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, expressed enthusiasm for the government’s investment strategy, emphasizing the crucial role of private sector participation in achieving the ambitious target of adding approximately 24,000 public charge points by 2030. With a focus on rural and island communities, the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund strives to create a conducive environment for private sector investment in sustainable transport solutions.

Scotland has already made significant progress in establishing a robust EV charging infrastructure, boasting more public charge points per capita than any part of the UK aside from London. The region also leads in rapid public EV charge point deployment, with over 5600 in operation currently and a target of 6000 by 2026, largely driven by private sector investment.

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, commended the government’s commitment to an electric vehicle transition and highlighted the crucial role of partnerships between industry players and governmental bodies in achieving a seamless transition to EVs. ChargeUK’s members are gearing up to invest over £6 billion in rolling out EV infrastructure by 2030, ensuring accessible and affordable charging solutions nationwide.

Jim Savege, Chief Executive of Aberdeenshire Council, representing the North of Scotland Partnership, underscored the collective effort towards achieving net zero emissions. The consortium comprising councils across Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City, Moray, and Highland areas is seeking a private sector collaborator to co-invest in EV charging infrastructure, aligning with the region’s commitment to sustainable travel and connectivity.

Overall, the Scottish Government’s strategic investment in EV infrastructure signals a significant leap towards a greener, cleaner future for Scotland. Through public-private partnerships and targeted funding initiatives, Scotland is paving the way for a sustainable transportation ecosystem that will benefit present and future generations.

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