Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has joined the Scottish Government, Transport Scotland and SP Energy Networks to lead the charge on EV infrastructure with a £7.5m strategic partnership announced today.
The funding will see SSEN and SP Energy Networks trial projects to widen access to electric vehicle charging networks and provide the electricity infrastructure needed to support it.
SSEN willbe working in the north of Scotland examining what electricity network infrastructure will be needed to support the increasing number of tourists expected to use electric vehicles.
Infrastructure needs for new charging points along the route of the first-of-its-kind Electric A9 will be also be identified and mapped.
In central and southern Scotland, SPEnergy Networks trial will explore and deliver additional public electric vehicle charging infrastructure integrated with the electricity network.
Speaking during a visit to University of Strathclyde Power Networks Demonstration Centre, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: "This partnership highlights the critical role that electricity networks have to play in delivering a zero carbon energy system, and in facilitating an electric vehicle revolution and the provision of clean energy for transport.
"This project will develop a new model for delivering both EV charging and electricity network infrastructure which can more effectively satisfy Scotland's ambitions, including delivering inclusive universal access to the benefits of the decarbonisation of transport."
"We have invested over £30 million since 2011 to establish one of the most comprehensive electric vehicle charging networks in Europe. There are now over 1,000 points across the country as part of our commitment to help people make the move to low and zero carbon vehicles."
Colin Nicol, SSEN Managing Director, said: "Government andindustry have a shared determination to deliver net zero and it's only by working together that we'll realise this goal."
"When it comes to Scotland's low carbon ambitions, no community should be left behind, and this partnership is exactly the joined-up approach needed to deliver investment in key EV infrastructure for our towns, cities and rural areas."
Frank Mitchell, CEO SP Energy Networks added:
"As Scotland drives towards net-zero emissions, decarbonising transport will be essential. This ground breaking pilot project will support the shift to electric vehicles we need to make sure that every community has equal access to charging points which are connected into Scotland's electricity networks."
The partnership includes SG funding of £5m and an additional £2.5m from SSEN and SP Energy Network to deliver trial projects in 2020/2021.