THE best place in Scotland to own an electric car is the Orkney Islands, whilst East Dunbartonshire, East Renfrewshire and West Lothian rank as the worst, according to a new study.
Findings from car usership experts CarGuide.co.uk, based on analysis of the number of electric car charging points in Scottish local authorities, has revealed that the Orkney Islands have the highest number of charging points per 100,000 people. With 40 total charging points in an area with a population of 22,400, Orkney – which in 2014 developed a strategy for low-carbon, integrated transport – is the most accessible place in Scotland to own an electric car.
At present, the islands have around 300 electric cars, though the Orkney Renewable Energy Forum has predicted this will reach 1,000 by 2025.
Stirling came in second, with a total of 119 charging points for a population of 94,080, while East Lothian came in third with 128 for 107,900 local residents.
The worst area in Scotland to own an electric car, however, has been revealed as East Dunbartonshire, with only 25 charging points for a population of 108,750. East Renfreshire and West Lothian have been judged as second and third worst, with comparable population sizes but less than 30 charging points apiece.
CarGuide.co.uk found Olli Astley commented: “Whilst we at CarGuide.co.uk believe that motorists getting into electric vehicles is the best way forward due to the benefits to the environment, the UK’s charging infrastructure still has a way to go.”
Scotland as a whole currently has more electric vehicles per head than the rest of the UK, and 2600 charging points around the country as of this month.
The Scottish Government has committed to a £60 million plan to ensure there are 30,000 such points across the nation by 2030, by which time it is hoped the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned, while government predictions suggest there may be between 500,000 and one million electric vehicles on Scotland's roads.
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