In partnership with Scottish Enterprise, who facilitated the
procurement exercise through their Can Do Innovation
Challenge framework and competition, six organisations
will now work to develop electric vehicle (EV) charging
solutions in the first phase of the Low Carbon Transport
Innovation Challenge.
Urban Foresight, Miralis Data, Arceptive and Comms365 will work
on solutions to tackle the issue of bay hogging or ICEing –
where a non-electric vehicle parks in an EV charging bay and
blocks the ability of others wishing to charge.
Connected Kerb, Urban Foresight and 'You. Smart. Thing.’ will
trial solutions to ensure disabled people have easier access to
charge their electric vehicles.
The funding will enable these organisations to develop and
demonstrate their innovation in response to the two challenges.
If successful, the intention is to extend the project through
prototypes and eventually field-testing.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and
Connectivity
said:
“It’s encouraging that industry is responding to the challenge
of improving accessibility for EV drivers. I’m pleased that the
Scottish Government is funding innovation, and making Scotland
the place to develop EV engineering solutions with potentially
global applications.
“As we transition to a net-zero economy, it’s clear to see
there are opportunities for Scottish businesses. What I’m also
keen to see realised is a net-zero future where no one is left
behind and is inclusive to all as we work to phase out the need
for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.
“I wish these companies well as they work to improve
accessibility across the ChargePlace Scotland network and I’m
optimistic that we’ll see some exciting innovation as a
result.”
Scottish Enterprise Head of Low Carbon Transition
said: “It’s important that the
infrastructure to support sustainable transport is as
accessible as possible and these projects will drive forward
innovative solutions to make that happen.
“I’m pleased Scottish Enterprise has been able to facilitate
this through the Can Do Innovation Challenge programme in
partnership with Transport Scotland.
“We have developed a number of initiatives around this area
such as the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc as well as
support for a sustainable mobility cluster to create economic
opportunities and support Scotland’s net zero targets.”
Keith Robertson, Lead for Roads, Infrastructure and
Active Travel at the Mobility And Access Committee Scotland
said:
“As Scotland moves towards a net zero carbon economy it is
imperative that Scottish Government make it inclusive for all
on this transformational journey.
“Given that there are over 1 million disabled people in
Scotland, around 25% of our population, the Mobility and Access
Committee for Scotland (MACS) was pleased to be involved in
assessing the accessibility of the designs submitted to the
challenge fund.
“It is so very important that when moving towards alternative
ways to travel that, as a society, we ensure that the delivery
of low carbon options is inclusive to all, immaterial of their
abilities or level of income."
