Today (18 December) saw the first electric vehicle chargepoints installed at Skiach Services in Inverness as part of the Electric A9 project.
The Electric A9 builds on Scotland’s existing electric vehicle (EV) charge place infrastructure. Running the entire length of the country, the Electric A9 will provide EV charging for long distance journeys, local charging for businesses and local residents.
Ellie Grebenik, Senior Programme Manager, Scottish Transport at Energy Saving Trust commented: “As the adoption of electric vehicles is becoming increasingly popular across both private and business use, having convenient charging infrastructure is key. The Electric A9 project further strengthens the national network of chargepoints that are vital in supporting the growing number of EV drivers in Scotland enjoying substantial fuel cost savings.
“Grant funding for workplace electric vehicle chargepoint installations is available to help organisations install charging infrastructure on their premises. Additional support includes the Low Carbon Transport Loan which enables businesses and consumers to make the switch to electric vehicles providing a 6-year interest free loan on new vehicles. I’d strongly encourage businesses and individuals to explore the range of support offered by Energy Saving Trust.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “It is fantastic to see businesses take advantage of available support to install EV chargepoints. In addition to providing grant funding for businesses, we have more than doubled the Low Carbon Transport Loan for 2018/19, in order to satisfy demand and allow more businesses and individuals to make the switch to EVs than ever before.
“The Electric A9 signals to the world that Scotland is ready to charge ahead with EVs. We’ve made a bold commitment to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032 – and having the right infrastructure in the right place will help us secure that ambition.
“We will continue to develop both the Electric A9 and ChargePlace Scotland, which, with almost 1000 chargepoints, is bringing EV charging to people and places across Scotland.”
A range of support is available at www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/grants-loans
Find out more about the Electric A9 at www.electricA9.scot #ElectricA9
Photograph features:
- Ellie Grebenik, Energy Saving Trust
- Stephen Rennie, SWARCO eVolt
- Trevor Wilson, Skiach Services
- Councillor Trish Robertson, Highland Council
- Chris Ramsey, EV Adventurer, Presenter and Speaker
