Transport Scotland has announced the beginning of an "electric revolution" across the country.

New proposals will see free installation of home charging points for electric vehicles (EV) throughout Scotland, along with public charging outlets within at least every 50 miles on trunk roads.

The £2.6m scheme includes charging points at leisure facilities, local authority public carparks and funding for charge points at workplaces

A network of chargers is planned to be in place in time for officials and visitors to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Transport Minister Keith Brown and Environment announced details of the plans.

Mr Brown said: "This funding looks to the future - a low carbon future with, to an electric revolution on our roads where people can charge their carbon-neutral cars at home, drive them to their local station and jump on an electric train to their workplace, which will also have charging points for the days they need to take the car to work.

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"Or tourists can decide to take an EV driving tour around Scotland, safe in the knowledge they are never too far from a charger. And can hop on a ferry knowing they can charge up at the other end if needed."

The Scottish government has invested over £8m in electric vehicles and infrastructure over the past two years.

Mr Brown added: "The move to EVs is good for our environment, helping to cut carbon emissions and reduce noise pollution, and will also benefit drivers who will pleased to hear about the cheaper running costs. You can get from Edinburgh to Glasgow on a single charge for around £1.50 and right now electric vehicles are exempt from road tax.

"Our E-cosse EV partnership is bringing us together with car manufacturers, power companies, local authorities, academic institutions and WWF Scotland to maximise the opportunities for EVs to become an essential part of Scotland’s greener transport system.

"I look forward to the day when the only vehicles on Scotland’s roads are electric vehicles, and this funding will be a massive step towards that vision."

(IT)