EV funding ignored by councils
Not a single Scottish council has applied to the UK government for funding for electric vehicle (EV) charge points.
The UK government has set aside £4.5m for councils to buy and install electric charging points. However, only five have so far applied for funding – most of which are in London.
The Scottish Government’s Programme for Scotland is aiming to phase out petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, eight years ahead of the UK government target.
A Transport Scotland spokesperson said, ‘Drivers in Scotland already benefit from one of the most comprehensive charge point networks in Europe and it is encouraging to see Scotland leading the way with sales of electric and alternative fuelled vehicles rising faster than the rest of the UK.
‘We are well positioned to continue to work with industry, to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, by continuing to provide the infrastructure to allow ultra-low emission vehicles to flourish.
