The Scottish government has announced a series of measures aimed at expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging access, including a £4.5 million fund to support installations in rural and island areas where commercial investment is less likely.
The initiatives come as Scotland seeks to deliver 24,000 additional public charge points by 2030, building on its existing network of more than 6,000, achieved two years ahead of schedule.
The new Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund will provide financial support to landowners, charge point operators, and businesses in underserved regions, though detailed criteria and charging specifications have not yet been outlined. “That is where the Scottish Government steps in, to support fair access to charging for everyone in Scotland,” Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said. Jenny Milne of the Scottish Rural and Islands Transport Community welcomed the announcement, saying: “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.”
Alongside rural funding, the government has introduced the Cross Pavement Charging Grant pilot scheme, offering up to £3,500 per household for charging solutions where off-street parking is not available.
The scheme will run in East Lothian, Renfrewshire, and Perth and Kinross, testing technologies such as pavement gullies and pop-up bollards.
“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,” said John McMillan, East Lothian Council’s Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism.
Source: transport.gov.scot
