Scotland to improve access to EV charging

Since October 2024, Scotland has operated over 6000 public charge points – putting it two years ahead of schedule for its charging network targets. However, Scotland is also home to some of the most remote communities in the UK, which poses a challenge to the widespread rollout of EV charging hubs. In order to further its goal of delivering 24,000 additional public charging points by 2030, the Scottish government has now announced plans to offer £4.5m worth of funding to landowners, charge point operators, and businesses operating in rural areas and Scottish islands.

The criteria for applying to the Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund isn’t yet clear, and neither is the type of charging this hopes to target – no details have been provided, for example, on whether the fund will prioritise fast charging or not. However, the Scottish Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop has said it will target areas “where the commercial sector is less likely to invest”. Hyslop said: “That is where the Scottish Government steps in, to support fair access to charging for everyone in Scotland.”

Jenny Milne of the Scottish Rural and Islands Transport Community added: “We welcome the launch of the  Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund. We hope that this is one of many steps to come that help eligible small rural and island businesses to support residents and visitors seeking new, convenient public charging locations.”

Outside of remote areas, the Scottish Government is also making further efforts to grow the country’s charging network. A new pilot scheme titled the Cross Pavement Charging Grant will provide grants of up to £3500 per household for the installation of charging solutions where traditional off-street parking is not available. This will take place in East Lothian, Renfrewshire, plus Perth and Kinross. Again, no technical details were shared, but the Scottish government has said it will go towards solutions like “pavement gulley technology or pop-up bollards”.

Cllr John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, said: “For people who don’t have a driveway or another convenient place to plug in near their house, cable gullies offer an accessible option for charging their vehicle from home. The council has been piloting this safer method of charging from home for nearly a year and we’ve received some great feedback from residents who have taken part.

transport.gov.scot (Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund ), transport.gov.scot (Cross Pavement Charging Grant)