Charging Ahead: Scotland’s Electric Vehicle Journey to Net Zero

Scotland is powering forward on its path to a net zero future, and April’s Net Zero Scotland Projects Conference at the stunning Dynamic Earth venue in Edinburgh made that ambition unmistakably clear. The event brought together public and private sector voices committed to decarbonising transport and infrastructure—key pillars of a greener future.

As someone living in a rural island community—and a recent electric vehicle (EV) convert—I’m especially interested in how Scotland’s EV infrastructure is evolving. Drawing on insights from the conference, this article explores where we stand, what’s working, and the shared actions we can take to make sustainable mobility a reality for all.

A Clear Commitment from Government

Fiona Hyslop, MSP and Cabinet Secretary for Transport, delivered a powerful keynote that reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s stance:

“Our commitment to Net Zero has not been diluted. We are MORE committed to the Net Zero future than ever. The path to Net Zero is the path we are on, and we will stay on that path!”

This strong declaration echoed throughout the day—and served as a rallying cry for everyone involved in building a cleaner, more connected Scotland.

EVs: More Than Just a Transport Shift

Electric vehicles represent more than a change in how we drive—they signal a broader shift in how we live and work. For businesses, the transition supports lower emissions, aligns with sustainability goals, and meets rising expectations in public procurement.

At EiB, we’ve committed to reducing business mileage by 10% annually. Through a salary sacrifice scheme and clear leadership from our Senior Management Team, we’ve seen impressive adoption: from zero EV drivers three years ago to seven today—over 15% of our team. It’s a tangible sign of what’s possible when people are supported to make sustainable choices.

Infrastructure Progress – and the Gaps

Scotland has made meaningful headway. In October 2024, Zap-Map.com reported over 6,000 public charge points, hitting the 2026 target two years early. This has been supported by the £30 million EV Infrastructure Fund, helping local authorities and private partners fill gaps, particularly in areas where the market hasn’t yet caught up—like rural and island communities.

But challenges persist:

• Rural charging gaps: Remote areas, including my own, often lag far behind cities.
• Limited home charging: Around half of Scottish households lack driveways, making public charging essential—but sometimes inconvenient or expensive.
• Tariff inconsistencies: Costs vary wildly by location, creating a ‘postcode lottery’ that’s unfair to many users.
• Reliability issues: Faulty chargers, app glitches, and ICE vehicle blockages erode public trust, especially among first-time EV users.

Winning Hearts and Minds

Beyond hardware and software, a successful EV rollout hinges on something deeper: public confidence.

• Range anxiety still looms, despite most EVs now comfortably exceeding 200 miles per charge—well beyond the average daily need.
• Charging confusion can be daunting for newcomers. Simpler systems and better education will ease the transition.
• Environmental stories matter. Cleaner air, quieter streets, and reduced emissions help people emotionally connect with the benefits.
• Cost savings often get overlooked. While upfront costs may be higher, running and maintenance expenses are significantly lower—and company incentives help close the gap.
• Social proof is powerful. When friends, neighbours, and coworkers go electric, it quickly becomes the new normal.

Government Strategy: A Multi-Layered Approach

The Scottish Government is tackling these issues from multiple angles:

• Infrastructure Investment: £65 million through the EV Infrastructure Fund to support local and private sector rollout in priority areas.
• Public Charging Expansion: Aiming for 24,000 new charge points by 2030, covering all charger types and geographies.
• Home and Street Charging: Grants for home units and trials of innovative on-street solutions like lamppost and pop-up chargers.
• Private Partnerships: Business-focused programmes like Switched on Fleets and the Low Carbon Transport Loan are boosting corporate uptake.
• Public Awareness: Ongoing campaigns and online resources are helping bust myths, answer questions, and foster community support.

Sustainability in Procurement: Raising the Bar

Sustainability isn’t optional anymore—it’s a core requirement in public procurement. Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21 now requires Carbon Reduction Plans for major contracts, and environmental criteria play an increasingly important role in tender evaluations.

At EiB, we help clients meet and exceed these expectations. Our bid consultants bring deep knowledge of procurement regulations, carbon literacy, and sustainability strategy. From embedding green credentials into proposals to crafting robust Carbon Reduction Plans, we ensure our clients are ready for a low-carbon, high-impact future.

Looking Ahead: Our Role in the Journey

Whether it’s our travel choices, how we influence our organisations, or how we support wider system change—we all have a part to play. Transitioning to electric vehicles won’t happen by accident. It takes leadership, persistence, and a willingness to try something new.

But with clear policy, the right infrastructure, and a shared sense of purpose, Scotland is well-positioned to lead the EV revolution—and create a more sustainable, inclusive future for everyone.