Transport Scotland and the Scottish Futures Trust have published
a new report on public electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
It sets out how Scotland can grow and expand provision to enable
households and business to confidently switch to electric
vehicles and help tackle climate change.
The joint report highlights the current approaches and
constraints associated with present models of delivery. The
market engagement exercise outlines future opportunities for
businesses and for local authorities. It considers models which
encourage greater financial innovation and partnership working
between the public and private sectors, benefitting from wider
skills and expertise, whilst increasing the pace of rollout.
Demand for electric vehicles and associated charging will
increase significantly in Scotland over the next decade in
response to government policies and market responses. The report,
based on extensive engagement with local authorities and the
private sector notes the solid foundations of public charging
provision provided through the current ChargePlace Scotland
network – but recognises that how this model evolves, whilst
retaining its best elements, will be key to meeting demand and
encouraging more people to drive electric vehicles with
confidence. The report also recognises the need to maintain a
consumer-focused approach that provides equity of access to all
users as part of the just transition to net zero.
Minister for Transport said:
“This report makes clear that as demand for electric vehicles
increases, our approach towards the provision of public charging
infrastructure must evolve.
“We’ve achieved much through the Local Authority Infrastructure
Programme and over £45 million pounds has been invested to
deliver over 1800 charge points across Scotland through a single
network operator. This has created green jobs and net zero
opportunities across the country – but more can still be
achieved.
“This report is clear that we are now at a tipping point in terms
of current demand and future requirements. By retaining the best
characteristics that Scotland enjoys through ChargePlace
Scotland, the opportunities from inviting greater private sector
involvement could be tremendous.
“To meet our world leading climate targets, of course we need to
see less car use rather than more. For those that need to drive,
the opportunities afforded by electric vehicles for our climate
and our air quality are profound. If the car is the right tool
for transport on some occasions then we need people to have
confidence to choose electric. This requires a comprehensive
charging network and I’m pleased that this report provides a
route map that supports our vision of phasing out the need for
new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.”
Director of Infrastructure Finance and Programmes at the
Scottish Futures Trust Kerry Alexander said: “We are
working closely with Transport Scotland, pooling our collective
infrastructure expertise to scope out the requirements to
accelerate the delivery of public electric vehicle charging
facilities.
“To deliver at scale and pace, we need to adopt innovative and
commercially viable funding models to supplement Scottish
Government funding. We will be looking to develop models in the
coming months, working with Transport Scotland, local authorities
and private sector operators, to support future delivery.”
The report is available on the Transport Scotland and Scottish
Futures Trust website.
More information on how Transport Scotland is working to
accelerate the decarbonisation of transport is available on the
Mission Zero page.
