AS part of the transition to net-zero emissions, Western Scotland will receive 24 new electric vehicle chargers from HITRANS and Scottish Power, with a list of locations revealed.
The delivery is part of the FASTER Project, which is funded by the INTERREG VA programme which operates in Northern Ireland and Western Scotland.
The programme is EU funded, but the EU ensured it would continue post-Brexit between Ireland, Northern Ireland and bordering countries, which includes Scotland’s west coast.
Under this programme, the Faster Project has received €6.4 million of EU funding to support the transition to electric vehicles, which the UK Government hopes is complete by 2035.
Gemma Robinson, project officer at HITRANS, said: “HITRANS is excited to be appointing Scottish Power for the supply, installation and maintenance services of 24 50kw chargers across our region.
“Scottish Power is committed to speeding up the electrification of transport and demonstrated a strong understanding of the challenges our region faces in providing reliable and accessible charging infrastructure.
“Environmental protection, social equality and ethical governance were key themes throughout their public procurement exercise, so we look forward to progressing the Faster project in collaboration with their team.”
Transport Scotland has provided £250,000 of match funding for the Faster project while additional funds have been contributed by Northern Ireland’s Department for Infrastructure and the Republic of Ireland’s Department for Transport.
Project partners include South West College, Ulster University, Louth County Council, University of Strathclyde and Dundalk IT.
Raption 50s with 50kW charging capacity will be used.
Western Scotland contains some of the UK’s most isolated communities. One such area is the Ardnamurchan peninsula, the westernmost point on the mainland of Britain.
There are only two groups of chargers currently on the peninsula, and they are clumped together just 25 minutes apart by car.
When looking at a map, charging stations are few and far between, with the area between the beginning of the peninsula and Glen Coe having none.
The new charging infrastructure will be installed in areas including Argyll and Bute, the Highlands and the Western Isles and will form an extension to the existing ChargePlace Scotland network.
Chris Carberry, smart solutions director at Scottish Power, said: “We are delighted to work with the Highlands and Island Transport Partnership to help facilitate a sustainable transition to electric vehicles in the region.
“We recognise that rural areas often face more challenges when it comes to accessing charging infrastructure and we are very pleased to be working with HITRANS to improve this and support wider public access to rapid charging for their vehicles.”
The installations are expected to be completed before the end of October 2023.
HIGHLAND COUNCIL SITES
- Bayfield Car park, Portree
- Ballachulish Vistor Centre Car Park, Ballachulish
- Glenfinnan Monument & Visitor Centre, Glenfinnan
- Arisaig Hotel, Arisaig
- Strontian Stores, Strontian
ARGYLL AND BUTE
- Rothesay Ferry Terminal, Rothesay
- Corran Halls, Oban
- Ledaig Car Park, Tobermory
- Dunoon Pier Car Park
- Tarbert Port (Loch Fyne), Tarbert
COMHAIRLE NAN EILEAN SIAR
- Leverburgh Harris Ferry Terminal, Isle of Harris
- Stepping Stone Restaurant, Balivanich, Isle of Benbecula
- South Beach Car Park, Stornoway
- Uist Gifts and Information, Lochboisdale
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