A new collaboration between government, industry leaders and environmental campaigners will lead Scotland in getting more electric vehicles on the roads.

Transport Minister Keith Brown today (WED) launched the E-Cosse partnership which brings together Transport Scotland with car manufacturers, power companies, local authorities and WWF Scotland to maximise the opportunities for EVs to become an essential part of Scotland’s greener transport system.

Speaking at the E-Vent Conference on electric cars in Edinburgh, Mr Brown revealed that the partnership will help lead to the Scottish Government vision of almost complete decarbonisation of road transport by 2050.

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He said: "The Scottish Government has ambitious climate change targets but I believe they are entirely achievable. This partnership will help us work with key stakeholders to develop a shared vision and set future priorities to promote the uptake of electric vehicles in Scotland.

"It will also allow us to take forward exciting economic opportunities for innovative Scottish businesses and our education and research institutions in the low carbon vehicle and renewable energy sectors.

"Electric cars reduce carbon emissions, improve air quality and cut noise pollution, in addition the cheaper running costs means a journey from Edinburgh to Glasgow on a single charge will only cost £1.50, and right now they are exempt from road tax. E-cosse will allow us to promote these benefits to a wider audience."

The partnership currently consists of Transport Scotland, WWF Scotland, Axeon, vehicle manufacturers Allied Vehicles and Nissan, Dundee City Council, IBI Group, Scottish Power, Serco, Siemens, SSE and University of Strathclyde, with opportunities for a wide range of other organisations to join and support the initiative.

Over the past two years, the Scottish Government has invested over £8million in electric vehicles and infrastructure, enabling Scotland's public services to purchase around 270 low carbon vehicles.

(GK)