Conclusion

Given our ambition to decarbonise transport across the whole of Scotland through a just transition, it is clear that for rural and remote communities these proposals must work in tandem with an increase in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, access to vehicles and a recognition of rural and remote communities’ transportation needs.

The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund signals a new approach to growing Scotland’s public charging network and recognises this need. It anticipates that half of the £60 million investment will come from the private sector and aims to double the size of the network over the next 4 years and ensure the right level of investment across all of Scotland, including in rural and island settings where there is less opportunity for commercial investment.

On the balance of this evidence, island communities are not expected to be disproportionately adversely affected by these regulations. In fact, a combination of generally greater chargepoint availability, coupled with unique regulatory environments, means that many island communities may disproportionately benefit from these regulations. As ZEV costs decline, both through innovation for first-hand vehicles and greater availability of second-hand ZEVs, remaining barriers to participation are expected to be reduced.