Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund
The Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund aims to facilitate a step change in the uptake of plug-in electric vehicles (EVs) in Scotland’s towns and cities. Its objective is to support intensive, high impact capital activity in order to incentivise, encourage and promote the use of plug-in EVs. It will operate as a competitive capital fund with an annual call for bids.
The Challenge Fund is targeted at local authorities who are well positioned to deliver the infrastructure and local incentives to support EV uptake. Community Planning Partners as defined in the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015 as well as wider public sector bodies, with local bases, are eligible project partners.
2018/19 Winners
The first round of the challenge fund awarded £12.1M to five projects:
Future application rounds
Future application rounds of the challenge fund will be announced in due course. information on the launch of round 2 is expected to be available late 2019. Criteria for applications will be reviewed for each application round. Round 2 is expected to include enhanced opportunities for more rural projects, with the potential to support smaller individual projects. Up to 100% of eligible costs may be supported by Transport Scotland funding, although extra credit will be given to bids that can bring match-funding from non-Transport Scotland public sources.
Projects will typically focus upon either a single town or city, however applications relating to multiple towns will be considered where credible links and shared impact between towns can be demonstrated. It will be up to the local authority to identify the towns or city in collaboration with any project partners.
Applicants are encouraged to put forward proposals that they consider will deliver greatest impact. Projects containing significant activity aimed at implementing convenient solutions to address EV charging for residents living in tenements or with no off-street parking are particularly encouraged.
Applicants will also be expected to describe the wider non-capital activities they plan or have already implemented to encourage and incentivise EV uptake in the relevant town or city.
How to apply
Round 2 of the Challenge Fund is expected to open for applications late 2019 or early 2020.
Round 1 of the Challenge Fund closed for applications on 31 August 2018 - the guidance documents associated with Round 1 can be downloaded from the links below:
Challenge Fund guidance
- View Frequently asked questions - Switched on Towns and Cities - Challenge Fund - 5 July 2018.pdf
- View Transport Scotland - Communications - Corporate - Publications - Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund Guidance for Applicants - June 2018.pdf
- View Transport Scotland - Communications - Corporate - Publications - Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund Notes for Applicants - June 2018.pdf
- View Guidance for Assessors - Round 1 - Switched on Towns and Cities - August 2018.pdf
- View Schedule 2 - Grant claim form - Switched on towns and cities.docx
- View Schedule 3 - Statement of compliance with conditions of grant - Switched on towns and cities.pdf
- View Quarterly progress report template - Switched on towns and cities.docx
- View Fund claims process and quarterly reporting requirements - Switched on towns and cities.pdf
- View Common requirements and Good Practice for Chargeplace Scotland Network Switched on Towns and Cities
- View Additional Claims Guidance Switched On Towns And Cities Challenge Fund
Round 2 In depth feasibility support
To assist local authorities in developing suitable proposals, we have provided the Energy Saving Trust with funding to deliver up to 10 feasibility studies, each with a value of approximately £40K. The Energy Saving Trust will work collaboratively with successful applicants to develop tailored feasibility studies, exploring local measures for low carbon transport.
This will be delivered over the course of 2019/20 and is intended to help local authorities comprehensively map out opportunities and to drive a pipeline of high quality projects for future rounds of the Challenge Fund.
To register interest or apply for 2019/20 Switched on Towns and Cities feasibility support, please visit the Energy Savings Trust website or contact switchedontownsandcities@est.org.uk.
Further information
Please email sotc@transport.gov.scot if you have any questions.