EV infrastructure vision
We are committed to supporting Scotland’s transition to low-carbon transport. We are developing a regional electric vehicle (EV) network that meets the needs of both urban and rural communities.
This page outlines our vision, current projects, and how we are working with partners to expand EV infrastructure across Highland.
Our EV infrastructure vision
We aim to create Scotland’s greenest transport system across its largest geographical area.
We will:
- deliver Highland solutions for Highland challenges
- support climate change targets by electrifying our fleet
- ensure equal access to EV charging for rural and island communities
- invest in local infrastructure to support economic recovery
- expand provision for residents, tourists and visitors
- use natural resources to deliver sustainable, locally generated solutions
- consider emerging technologies as the market evolves
- attract external investment to progress our vision
This vision supports national targets:
- Scottish Government: phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030
- UK Government: end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars (excluding some hybrids) from 2030
Local Authority Installation Programme (LAIP)
Funded by Transport Scotland, the LAIP helps expand the public EV charging network across Scotland.
It includes the Electric A9 project, which aims to improve EV connectivity along the A9 corridor.
EV Infrastructure Fund (EVIF)
In January 2022, the Scottish Government launched the EV Infrastructure Fund (EVIF) to support the growth of public EV charging.
- £60 million funding over 4 years (2022–2026)
- around half expected from private sector investment
- supports local authorities to develop new strategies and delivery models
Six Pathfinder projects were created to help identify future charge point needs across Scotland.
Highland Pathfinder project
We are working with Aberdeen City Council and Aberdeenshire Council on a Scottish Government-funded Pathfinder project.
The project aims to:
- identify future expansion plans for EV infrastructure
- assess delivery models and commercialisation opportunities
- estimate funding requirements
- outline next steps
The report is currently in draft form.
Commercialisation and next steps
In November 2022, we presented an EV Infrastructure Commercialisation Options paper to the Climate Change Committee.
It was agreed to:
- move the Pathfinder project into a Discovery Phase
- issue a Prior Information Notice (PIN) to test the market
- progress to formal tender stage the following year
These steps will help shape future delivery and investment.
Strategic Control Plan (SCP)
We are developing a Strategic Control Plan (SCP) to improve early planning and management of EV infrastructure projects.
The SCP is being developed by officers from the Climate Change and Energy Team and the Transformation Team.