The Scottish Government has announced £4.5 million in funding to ensure more equitable access to electric vehicle (EV) charging opportunities across the country.

The funding, provided through the Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund, will enhance public EV charging provision in underserved areas of Scotland, with a focus on rural and island locations less likely to receive private investment.

This programme is a part of the Scottish Government's commitment to enabling an additional 24,000 public charge points by 2030. Funding will be available for rural and islands businesses, landowners, and Charge Point Operators (CPOs). According to Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop, Scotland has already made "incredible progress" in growing its public charging network, meeting its target of 6,000 public charge points in October 2024, two years ahead of schedule. She added that the new fund will help ensure "no one is left behind in the EV transition."

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Jenny Milne from the Scottish Rural and Islands Transport Community welcomed the launch of the fund, expressing hope that it would help eligible small rural and island businesses support residents and visitors seeking new, convenient public charging locations. She noted that the community looks forward to promoting the fund and sharing news of its positive impact on underserved communities.