Scotland sets out vision for future public EV charging infrastructure
Mon 19 June 2023
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The Scottish Government has set out a vision for the development of a public EV charging network, building on the investments it has already made in the ChargePlace Scotland network. Development of the network will require “significant levels of private investment” to meet the growth in demand which the Scottish Government says could be significantly higher than UK Government statistics suggest.
The Scottish Government's 'Vision for Scotland’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network' sets out what an ideal public charging offer for cars and vans in Scotland should look like. It is intended to help guide public, private and third sector partners who will be central to developing Scotland’s future public charging network. Over the coming year Transport Scotland aims to develop and consult on an implementation plan that sets out how the actions will be taken forward.
Scotland's Minister for Transport Fiona Hyslop said: "The Vision sets the standard of how Scotland's public charging network needs to grow to support the rapidly expanding market for electric vehicles, and to support the needs of our communities, businesses and visitors alike.
“We can be proud of the early investment that the Scottish Government has made in the ChargePlace Scotland network. We have now provided over £65 million to support development of a comprehensive charging network covering all of Scotland. That network will continue to be vital over the next few years as we transition towards a public charging network that is largely financed and delivered by the private sector. Our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, that aims to leverage £60m of public and private investment, is designed to do just that."
The Scottish Government cites a separate study published by the Scottish Futures Trust which shows that the uptake of electric vehicles in Scotland could be much greater (16% higher) than UK Government data currently suggests.
Fiona Hyslop added: "It is clear that we are passing a tipping point in uptake of electric vehicles and that demand is there for investment in the charging network of the future".
Image: unsplash.com/@studiodenley
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