Transport Scotland: SWARCO to operate ChargePlace Scotland

The contract to run Scotland’s public electric vehicle charging network is estimated to be worth up to £1.2 million and will be expected to run for a minimum of 2 years with the option to extend.

From July 2021, SWARCO will take over from Charge Your Car as the back office operator which enables people to access over 1600 publicly available charge points across Scotland.

Following a smooth transition, the priority is to continue to improve ChargePlace Scotland’s reputation for reliability and accessibility for electric vehicle drivers across the country. The new contract will bring new jobs to Scotland, improved customer service and better performance information for users and owners and hosts. There will also be the opportunity to explore innovative new capabilities such as interoperability and pay-as-you-go options.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said:

“I’m pleased that SWARCO will soon operate the ChargePlace Scotland network. They are already a trusted and valued partner in Scotland’s journey to net zero by providing much of the quality EV charging infrastructure that drivers use across the country. The development of EV infrastructure in our communities brings economic benefits right across Scotland – and it’s good to see that this contract with SWARCO will bring new jobs to Dundee at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc – Scotland’s hub for net-zero innovation.

“I’m proud of what ChargePlace Scotland has grown to become. We have invested almost £32 million since 2011 to establish a comprehensive publicly available electric vehicle charging network across Scotland. It’s expanded immensely from 55 charge points in 2013 to now over 1,600 through Scottish Government investment – with the data showing that outside of London, Scotland is way ahead of the rest of the UK in the provision of public charge points.

“We remain focussed on accelerating the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and ensuring that Scotland is at the forefront of markets for zero emission mobility – both through public and increasingly private routes. But key to the uptake of electric vehicles is reliable charging infrastructure that people can count on. I’m confident that SWARCO will meet our vision for the ChargePlace Scotland network over the coming years.”

Justin Meyer, Managing Director for SWARCO eVolt said:

“We share a passion and drive with the Scottish Government, the Local Authorities and the private sector who are responsible for building the network, and are proud to have been actively involved with its development from the very beginning. Our charging technology has become the watchword for reliability and performance in a world that demands certainty, and our approach to smart charging through our e.Connect software solution will be at the heart of the ambition to build a truly world-class network.

“SWARCO’s key focus will be on service delivery and maximum uptime. EV drivers will need to have total confidence in the network to keep them on the road, and it is with this in mind that we will be developing the gold standard in service for the driver community.

“The Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, set up as a location for companies that are leading the way in sustainable mobility and decarbonisation, is the perfect location for our new offices, and we look forward to providing more employment opportunities for local communities.”