Objectives

The Scottish Government is committed to the decarbonisation of transport and with demand for Electric Vehicles (EVs) expected to grow rapidly, enabling people to switch to zero emission vehicles will require ready access to convenient and reliable EV charging infrastructure.

Availability and convenience of EV charging infrastructure is frequently cited as a negative factor impacting an individual’s decision to purchase an EV (As reported in Transport and Travel in Scotland 2019: Results from the Scottish Household Survey). To overcome this barrier, growth in EV uptake will need to be matched with growth in reliable and convenient charging infrastructure that puts consumer needs first. Overnight charging of an EV at home, for example, provides a convenient opportunity for many households. Similarly, opportunities to charge at other locations, including at workplace and leisure destinations, will be important for those without a dedicated driveway and to meet charging needs on longer journeys.

Therefore, the Scottish Government is introducing this legislation to further increase the availability of EV charge points and infrastructure in all new buildings, both publicly and privately. Whilst our overall approach to the decarbonisation of transport is to enable a more sustainable travel and transport system, we must also acknowledge that car usage will continue, and the aim of this legislation is to provide the charging environment that will give car users the confidence to make their next car an electric car.