Minister Launches Scotland’s Action Plan to Grow EV Markets

The document establishes a 10-point plan to implement the second phase of Switched on Scotland: A Roadmap to Widespread Adoption of Plug-in Vehicles, setting out the next steps in delivering the Scottish Government’s vision to free Scotland’s towns, cities and communities from the damaging emissions of fossil-fuelled vehicles by 2050.

It defines the actions that Transport Scotland and wider partners will take between 2017 and 2020 to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) and to realise the benefits that this will offer to individuals, communities, businesses and to the country as a whole.

The ten outcome-focused actions which are defined in the document will collectively deliver three positive impacts; decreased costs; enhanced convenience; and a change in culture whereby EVs are preferred to fossil fuelled vehicles.

Phase 2 of the Roadmap was written and developed following extensive consultation with over 130 people from 60 different organisations across four workshops arranged through  E-cosse partnership, a stakeholder network run by Urban Foresight for Transport Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust.

Transport Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I am delighted that Switched on Scotland has reached this critical second phase. Only through effective partnership working can we secure the environmental and transport vision for Scotland that we aim to realise. A greener Scotland, with improved air quality, improvements in public health and lower costs for consumers and businesses through the increased use of electric vehicles.

David Beeton, Managing Director at Urban Foresight said:

“Scotland is fast becoming one of the best places in the world to drive an EV. After months of consultation and drafting it is excellent news that we can now push forward with this second phase and continue to make Scotland a global exemplar in electric mobility.”

Visiting local business J & E Shepherd Chartered Surveyors in Edinburgh, The Minister also announced a further £8.2 million to support Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon Transport Loan Fund. Administered by the Energy Saving Trust, the fund offers interest free loans to help businesses and individuals enjoy the many benefits of EVs.

Matthew Eastwood, Head of Transport, Scotland, Energy Saving Trust said:

“I’m delighted that Transport Scotland has increased funding for the interest free low carbon transport loan in 2017. The interest free loan is very popular with Scottish consumers and businesses and helps unlock the financial savings offered by ultra-low emission vehicles and other carbon saving transport measures.”

Switched on Scotland Phase Two: An Action Plan for Growth is available for download here.

Image credit: Humza Yousaf MSP