Drive to boost EV charge point network

Fund to deliver almost 200 charge points across Scotland

People choosing to drive electric vehicles will be able to explore Scotland with greater confidence, as almost 200 charge points are set to be installed near popular tourist routes.

A total of 92 tourism businesses successfully applied for the Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund which will support 194 charge points across Scotland.

Part of the Destination Net Zero programme, the Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund was administered by Energy Saving Trust on behalf of VisitScotland, and the Scottish Government.

It provided tourism businesses with up to 75% of the cost of installation to improve the network of charge points across Scotland and encourage responsible tourism practices with both visitors and businesses.

The new charge points will be located across 20 local authorities, with a third in the Highlands and Orkney, and the majority at self-catering businesses.

Micro and SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) were eligible to apply to the £325,000 fund which opened in May on a first-come first-served basis.

Travelling with an electric vehicle

Due to their lower running costs, electric vehicles are becoming an increasingly attractive part of the sustainable travel mix.

In addition to choosing public transport and active travel, they are a crucial step in decarbonising the transport system, improving air quality, and contributing to Scotland’s climate target of achieving net zero emissions by 2045.

According to our research, 72% of Scotland residents use their own petrol / diesel car when taking breaks and holidays in Scotland.

However, 43% are interested in changing to electric / hybrid “within the next few years”, with price and concerns around sufficient charging points among the main obstacles.

Energy Saving Trust mapped the location of EV charge points on some of Scotland’s popular driving routes, on behalf of VisitScotland. It found a total of 1,933 charge points within five miles of a tourist route, which include the South West Coastal 300, North East 250 and North Coast 500.