1. Introduction

Scottish Ministers are committed to tackling climate change and to delivering net zero as set out in the update to the Climate Change Plan. A key part of this will be encouraging the people of Scotland to make greater use of public transport, cycling and other forms of active travel. And, whilst we want to see an overall reduction in reliance on cars, aligned with our ambition to reduce annual kilometres driven by 20% by 2030, a wholesale shift to zero emission vehicles is also necessary to meet our climate change goals.

A graphic showing the current transport system dominated with reliance on petrol and diesel cars. It also shows a undesirable future scenario of relying too heavily on electric cars with only a small increase in active travel (walking and cycling) and use of public transport (buses, trains and trams). It also shows a preferred future scenario where there is greater use of activel travel and use of public transport supported with technology to help people plan jouneys and with fewer cars than today and if they are used they are electric.

This draft Vision is for Scotland’s network of publicly available electric vehicle charge points. It is one part of our wider agenda for Mission Zero, and an overall vision for a transformative shift to sustainable, zero emission mobility in Scotland. It follows from our joint report published in July with Scottish Futures Trust, that report set out the opportunities for growing the public electric vehicle charging network with increasing commercial investment, together with the conditions that will be important in facilitating this.

The electric vehicle market is rapidly evolving and developing, and we can expect more change. This draft Vision will be further informed and refined through continued engagement with the public, businesses, industry and our public sector partners.

Draft vision for Scotland’s public electric vehicle charging network

  • People have access to a well-designed and comprehensive public network of charge points
  • The public electric vehicle network works for everyone regardless of age, health, income or other needs
  • Scotland has attracted private sector investment to grow the public electric charging network, ensuring it meets the needs of all people
  • The public charging network is powered by clean, renewable energy and drivers benefit from advancements in energy storage, smart tariffs and network design
  • People’s first choice wherever possible is active and public transport with the location of electric vehicle charging points supporting those choices

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