South of Scotland Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy

South of Scotland Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy - Regional Collaboration to Deliver a Fair and Future-Ready Network

The South of Scotland's eight local authorities - City of Edinburgh, Clackmannanshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Falkirk, Fife, Midlothian, Scottish Borders, and West Lothian - have jointly launched a new Electric Vehicle Charging Strategy (PDF, 19 MB)(opens new window) to deliver a high-quality, accessible, and sustainable public charging network across the region.

This collaborative strategy responds to the rapid growth in EV adoption, the need to replace ageing infrastructure, and the phasing out of early government funding. It aligns with Scotland's national goal to end the sale of new, fully petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and supports a just transition to net zero transport.

By coming together as a regional group, we'll deliver:

⚡A unified regional approach: We're working together to procure a single network operator through a competitive process, ensuring consistent service standards, fair tariffs, and equitable access across urban and rural communities.

⚡Network expansion: Nearly 2,000 new charge points will be installed between now and 2030, building on the 700+ already in place. This will be supported by an estimated £20 million in private investment, alongside £6 million in public sector funding.

⚡Fair and inclusive access: The network will be geared to deliver accessibility for all users, including those without off-street parking, and our strategy ensures that infrastructure is designed to meet the needs of disabled drivers and underserved communities.

⚡Economic and social benefits: The selected charge point operator will be expected to deliver wider community benefits, including job creation, apprenticeships, and partnerships with local schools and colleges.

⚡Transition from ChargePlace Scotland: With the existing national ChargePlace Scotland ending in 2026, the new charge point operator will manage the transition to a regionally managed network, meaning continuity and reliability for users.

This regional strategy represents a significant step forward in delivering a cleaner, greener, and more connected transport future for the South of Scotland.

Having engaged the market in March 2025, a formal procurement process will select a new charge point operator to manage this regional network from late 2026.