A £7.5 million project between the public and private sectors
has been established to deliver more electric vehicle charging
points and ensure the infrastructure needed to support these is
put in place.
The new strategic partnership will include Transport Scotland,
SP Energy Networks and Scottish and Southern Electricity
Networks (SSEN).
As part of the project, SSEN will examine what electricity
network infrastructure will be required to support the
increasing number of people travelling to the north of Scotland
by electric vehicles. Infrastructure needs for new charging
points along the route of the Electric A9 will be also be
identified and mapped.
In central and southern Scotland, SP Energy Networks will
deliver additional public electric vehicle chargers integrated
with the electricity network. The pilot project will develop a
model to increase the pace, accessibility and efficiency of the
deployment of public chargers.
Speaking during a visit to University of Strathclyde Power
Networks Demonstration Centre, First Minister said:
“This partnership highlights the critical role that electricity
networks have to play in delivering a zero carbon energy
system, and in facilitating an electric vehicle revolution and
the provision of clean energy for transport.
“This project will develop a new model for delivering both EV
charging and electricity network infrastructure which can more
effectively satisfy Scotland’s ambitions, including delivering
inclusive universal access to the benefits of the
decarbonisation of transport.
“We have invested over £30 million since 2011 to establish one
of the most comprehensive electric vehicle charging networks in
Europe. There are now over 1,000 points across the country as
part of our commitment to help people make the move to low and
zero carbon vehicles.”
Frank Mitchell, CEO SP Energy Networks said:
“As Scotland drives towards net-zero emissions, decarbonising
transport will be essential. This ground breaking pilot project
will support the shift to electric vehicles we need to make
sure that every community has equal access to charging points
which are connected into Scotland’s electricity networks.
“This Strategic partnership will allow us to efficiently join
the dots between renewable electricity generation, the
distribution network, and public electric vehicle charging
infrastructure, to make sure all drivers across Scotland have
equal access to our electric future.”
SSEN Managing Director Colin Nicol said:
“Government and industry have a shared determination to deliver
net zero and it’s only by working together that we’ll realise
this goal.
“When it comes to Scotland’s low carbon ambitions, no community
should be left behind, and this partnership is exactly the
joined-up approach needed to deliver investment in key EV
infrastructure for our towns, cities and rural areas.”
Background
The partnership includes Scottish Government funding of £5
million and at least an additional £2.5 million from the
network companies. It will deliver trial projects to take place
in 20-21.
