Scotland Accelerates Ambitious Plan to Roll Out 24,000 EV Charge Points by 2030

Image Credit: Scottish government

The Scottish Government has unveiled a draft implementation plan designed to supercharge the nation's electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, targeting the delivery of 24,000 additional public charge points by 2030. This ambitious step underlines Scotland’s commitment to ending the need for new petrol and diesel vehicles by the end of the decade, paving the way for a cleaner, greener transportation future.

The plan sets out 15 key actions essential to expanding the charging network. These actions emphasize collaboration—a joint effort between businesses, energy network operators, and the government to make EV charging widespread, accessible, and reliable.

 Achieving such an ambitious goal requires significant private-sector investment to complement public funding. This combined effort aims to establish a charging infrastructure that meets demand, supports growing EV adoption, and ensures equitable access across urban and rural areas.

 Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop, highlighted the draft plan's pivotal role in tackling climate change while ensuring all Scots can benefit from EV technology. She stressed that equitable access to EV charging facilities will be central to Scotland’s transition to a low-carbon transport system.

“Transport remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and electric vehicles offer a way for drivers to cut harmful emissions and take climate action,” she said.

“Scotland met its target of 6,000 public charge points two years ahead of schedule in October 2024, but we must go further and faster to meet our 2030 goals.”

The Scottish Government has unveiled a draft implementation plan to deliver 24,000 new public EV charge points by 2030, a cornerstone of its strategy to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles by the decade's end. This bold initiative marks a significant step toward a greener transport future for Scotland.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop emphasized the importance of private sector involvement in scaling up Scotland’s charging infrastructure. She noted that public funding will act as a catalyst but not the sole driver, highlighting the necessity for private investment to ensure a robust, reliable network.

The plan also seeks to enhance “range confidence,” ensuring EV drivers can travel seamlessly across Scotland with access to reliable charging facilities—whether in urban centers, rural areas, or along major routes.

Transport Scotland is now consulting on the draft plan, encouraging feedback from individuals and organizations to help shape the final Vision Implementation Plan, which will be released in 2025. This collaborative approach underscores Scotland’s commitment to building a network that meets the needs of businesses and communities.

ChargeUK CEO Vicky Read praised the Scottish Government’s leadership, pointing to the growing role of private investment in accelerating EV infrastructure. She highlighted the plan as a significant signal to investors, driving confidence in Scotland’s sustainable transport ambitions.

“Our members are installing charge points at record speed, with one being added every 25 minutes,” she said.

With a clear focus on public-private partnerships, equitable access, and driver confidence, Scotland’s draft plan lays the groundwork for a transformative shift in EV infrastructure and sets an inspiring example for sustainable mobility worldwide.