A vision for EV charging across Scotland

Scottish Government sets out plans for a national network

The Scottish Government has published its Vision for Scotland’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network. The policy comes as a new study appears to show that uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) in Scotland could be up to 16% higher than UK government statistics suggest.

The vision document sets out what an ideal public charging offer for cars and vans in Scotland could look like. It is intended to help guide public, private and third sector partners in 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 it will take forward the actions and ambition of the vision.

The plan was developed through engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. It aims to place the needs of local communities, businesses and visitors at its heart. The vision is structured around five themes:

• Comprehensive and convenient so that the network is well-designed and reliable with chargepoints located where people need them across Scotland.

• Meeting the needs of users where using chargepoints is simple, safe and affordable and works for everyone regardless of their age, health, income or other needs.

• Grown with private investment to help the network develop at scale and pace across all of Scotland, leveraging the skills, expertise and resources of a growing number of chargepoint network providers.

• Clean, green energy where Scotland’s EVs are ‘fuelled’ from Scotland’s renewable energy potential and where chargepoints are integrated into a flexible, modern energy system.

• Wider sustainable transport system where locations of chargepoints shorten car journeys and reduce dependency of privately owned vehicles by providing people with opportunities to travel using car clubs, or public transport – as well as enabling journeys by walking, wheeling and cycling.

Minister for transport Fiona

Hyslop said: “Supporting the uptake of electric vehicles is a critical strand of our approach to meeting our climate goals and achieving a just transition to net zero. Vision for Scotland’s Public Electric Vehicle Charging Network sets the standard of how Scotland’s public charging network needs to grow to support the rapidly expanding market of EVs, 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 £65m 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

£15m boost for Welsh charging point roll-out

The Welsh Government will invest £15m to increase the number of electric vehicle (EV) charging points across Wales.

The funding, confirmed today by deputy climate change minister Lee Waters, will be used to help local authorities increase the number of charging facilities ahead of fossil fuel vehicles being phased out in 2030.

The new funding follows the £26m already invested in charging infrastructure across Wales since 2021 which has created more than 1,600 charging points – enough for one in six battery electric vehicles.

Lee Waters said: “Drivers need to have the confidence to make the switch to electric vehicles as demand increases and that’s why we are committed to creating high quality electric vehicle infrastructure across Wales.

“Most of this work will be delivered by the private sector but our role is to facilitate private sector investments across Wales and ensure equality of access. To help with this, we have created a private sector taskforce which will engage with the market, break down any barriers to investment and accelerate the roll out of charging infrastructure.

“The funding announced today is another step in the right direction but we have further to go – we will continue to work with local authorities and the private sector so that Wales keeps up with the rapid increase in the number of electric vehicles.”

The announcement complements the Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) fund which has kick-started a number of EV projects as the Welsh Government aims to reach its target of providing charging points for every 20 miles of the strategic trunk network across Wales by 2025.

Wrexham Council has received £1.86m over two years to roll-out EV charging facilities at a charging hub in the city centre as well as sites in remote, more rural locations across the county.

Cllr David A Bithell, deputy leader and 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.

“As the network grows, there are also clear opportunities for the private sector to support the operation of existing ChargePlace Scotland chargepoints under new arrangements, and ensuring this move is seamless and aligned with the vision is critical.

“It is also encouraging to learn about the City Science study published by the Scottish Futures Trust, showing the number of electric vehicles in Scotland to be much greater than UK government data suggests. 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.”

A spokesperson ChargeUK, the EV charging sector organisation, said: “ChargeUK welcomes the Scottish Government’s vision for a public EV charging network that will deliver for the needs of Scotland, grown at scale and pace in partnership with private chargepoint operators. Our member organisations are committed to investing billions of pounds to deliver and operate thousands more chargepoints by 2030 creating jobs, supporting economic growth and enabling the widespread switch to EVs.” climate champion at Wrexham Council, said: “We are pleased to receive this funding which will enable us to continue our work to help people to move to Electric Vehicles through both the creation of a mobility hub in the city centre and also supporting some of our smaller and more rural communities with facilities to charge EVs where they may not have access to offroad parking.

“As part of this project we are also looking to add some increased provision to support active travel and nature. We are keen to make a start on this important step on the road to lower carbon transport for Wrexham.”

Cardiff Council has received £900,000 for the next two years to roll out EV charging in the region and provide rapid charging infrastructure at Lamby Way depot for twelve electric refuse collection vehicles, as part of Cardiff Council’s fleet of 78.

The transition supports the councils target of having a zero-emission fleet by 2030, in line with Welsh Governments Low Carbon Delivery Plan.

5 October 2023 Manchester Conference Centre

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