SP Energy Networks has installed more than 160 Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers at dedicated hubs across Lanarkshire, marking the completion of a pioneering new project.

The charging hubs were built at locations which best suited the needs of the local community to help them make the switch to EV. A total of 167 chargers are now available across sites including train stations, libraries, community centres and country parks such as Strathclyde Country Park, Lanark Lifestyles and Getting Better Together Shotts.

'Project PACE' was part of the strategic collaboration between SP Energy Networks and the Scottish Government to create over 44 EV charging hubs to help with the rising demand for low-carbon technologies and to facilitate local communities' transition to cleaner and greener lifestyles.

Since its launch in 2019, the project, which was facilitated by Transport Scotland and local authorities in North and South Lanarkshire, has provided over 3,520MWh of energy which has enabled 13.7 million miles to be driven using green energy transport. This has helped save 2,380 tonnes of CO2 which would've been emitted into the atmosphere had the same journeys been made by petrol or diesel cars.

The charging points have already been used over 105,000 times and enable an additional 4,150 EVs to be on the roads, increasing the number of electric vehicles in Lanarkshire by 200% compared to the baseline in December 2019.

As well as providing the local communities with infrastructure to help them shift to electric vehicles, the project also has economic benefits for customers, with the PACE charging hubs forecasted to save between £1.4 million and £2.9 million on electricity grid connection costs. 

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To mark the end of the project, SP Energy Networks held a closing event at one of the project's largest charging hubs in South Lanarkshire, Chatelherault Country Park. Minister for Transport Jenny Gilruth MSP, key project members and representatives from the local authorities were all in attendance to mark the occasion. 

Lynda Ward, Transformation Director at SP Energy Networks, said: "The results of PACE are there for all to see and I'm proud this project delivers such a significant contribution towards the electrification of transport. 

"The usage of the chargers shows the appetite and value of projects such as PACE and enables people to make greener choices more easily.

"The project is a shining example of the power of collaboration to create a greener, cleaner future for all and I'm looking forward to seeing the hubs continue to thrive in the coming years as SP Energy Networks continues to drive forward to a net zero emissions future."

Project PACE has also played a vital role in helping the Scottish Government phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030. Transport Scotland invested £5.3 million to help deliver the new public EV charge points for the ChargePlace Scotland network which has seen a 200% increase EV charging capacity across Lanarkshire.

Jenny Gilruth MSP, Minister for Transport, said: "I'm delighted to celebrate the success of project PACE. Our £5.3 million funding of this project underlines the Scottish Government's commitment to supporting the uptake of electric vehicles. The investment in charge points is benefiting local communities, businesses and visitors across Lanarkshire. 

"Our electricity network companies will be critical in growing Scotland's electric vehicle charging network and the benefits that SP Energy Networks have brought to project PACE are clear.  

"This project shows the importance of partnership working with both North and South Lanarkshire Councils having played a significant part in its success.  I look forward to the Scottish Government continuing to work with Scotland's electricity network companies to support the electric vehicle transition so we can realise benefits across the country."

Councillor Jim Logue, Leader of North Lanarkshire Council, said: "By providing electric charging points at key locations across Lanarkshire, this innovative project has enabled more people to switch from petrol or diesel cars, which will bring benefits in reducing air pollution for everyone. This project, along with our investment in more electric vehicles across the council fleet, including an electric bin lorry, will help achieve our ambition to be net zero by 2030."

Councillor Joe Fagan, Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, said: "If people are to make the change to electric vehicles, we have to ensure the infrastructure is there for them.

"Project PACE is delivering that and improving sustainable, low carbon travel opportunities across Lanarkshire. The fact it is part of the wider EV Strategic Network that will benefit the whole of Scotland is also something all the partners can be proud of.

"Having this infrastructure in place helps make cleaner, greener travel a practical option for more of the population."