Scotland has achieved a significant milestone in its transition to electric vehicles, surpassing the 6,000 public charge point mark. This achievement, two years ahead of schedule, is the result of collaborative efforts between the Scottish Government, the private sector, and local authorities.

The increased availability of charging points provides greater range confidence for EV drivers, encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles and contributing to a net-zero transport system.

To further accelerate the deployment of charging infrastructure, £6.3 million has been allocated through the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund to 11 local authorities in the Glasgow City Region and Ayrshire region. This investment will support the installation of additional charge points, making EV ownership more convenient and accessible for residents and businesses.

First Minister John Swinney said: "This announcement is clear evidence of our commitment to making sustainable travel accessible for everyone in Scotland.

"We need to maintain this rapid progress, working in greater partnership with the private sector to accelerate the pace and scale of delivery right across the country.

"By fast-tracking EV infrastructure, we're paving the way for a net-zero Scotland while advancing our goal to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop said:

"In 2023, we published our Vision for public EV charging infrastructure, highlighting the key role the private sector will play in delivering Scotland's future EV charging requirements for public charging.

"Through our £30 million EV Infrastructure Fund we are continuing to support public EV charging; providing Local Authorities with funding to enable them to work in partnership with the private sector to continue to expand public EV charging across Scotland.

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"This approach is paying dividends – ensuring faster delivery and greater reliability of public charge points across the country. I'm pleased to welcome the matched investment from businesses such as IONITY which is helping to scale up the provision of public EV charging across Scotland."

IONITY Country (UK & Ireland) Manager Andreas Atkins said: "For Scotland to have reached its ambitious target of delivering 6,000 public chargers well ahead of its 2026 target is a huge achievement, especially in such a difficult economic environment at present in the UK.

"A continued collaborative approach between the public sector and private industry is required to tackle and deliver the roadmap for net zero transport, and IONITY will continue to play a key role in this.

"We have already injected £20 million investment in Scotland by the end of 2025, with a further £20 million committed into Scotland by 2028 – delivering 100% green electricity through our chargers from Scotland's main cities to the West Coast and the Highlands.

"Not only will we enable electric transit right across Scotland, but our charging hub site partners, such as food and beverage retailers, retail parks and hospitality venues will directly benefit. The IONITY hubs are introducing those businesses – and wider local economies – to new revenue streams and additional footfall, bringing entire communities with us into the era of electric vehicles."

Zapmap COO and Co-founder Melanie Shufflebotham said: "Reaching the milestone of 6,000 public chargers across Scotland is a significant achievement, with the Scottish government showing great commitment to the EV sector with the forward looking investment in the ChargePlace Scotland network over the last decade. This has then been supplemented with other private networks and investment across the country. Since the target of 6,000 public EV charge points by 2026 was announced by the Scottish Government in June 2023, charge point infrastructure has grown at an impressive rate – up 49% from 4,023 in June 2023.

"This number covers many different charging use cases across diverse locations, from low powered on-street chargers to destination chargers at scenic spots to 150kW+ charging hubs.

"It's exciting to see charging hubs being established across the country, from Inverness and Aberdeen in the north to around the urban centres of Glasgow and Edinburgh. This infrastructure not only supports Scottish EV drivers in their daily travels but also enables visitors to explore the stunning Scottish landscape with confidence on longer journeys."

Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Region Cabinet Chair and Leader of Glasgow City Council said: "Electric vehicles are to key to reducing carbon emissions and the expanded charging network this funding will deliver can persuade more citizens across the City Region to switch to electric.

"And in creating the biggest network of charge points across Scotland's most populous communities we can make a real impact on our national climate targets."

Director of the Electric Vehicle Association Scotland Neil Swanson said: "The Association recognises the huge growth in EV infrastructure in Scotland, and breaking through 6000 public charge points is a magnificent start on the transition for all.

"Maintaining the momentum on these targets and ensuring that the just transition is delivered is absolutely key. The rollout of EVIF is critical in rural areas and urban settings to support EV adoption for private and commercial users."