Highland, Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire and Moray Councils announced that EasyGo has been awarded a 20-year contract to provide electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure for the north of Scotland.
The contract is estimated to be worth 300 million pounds, with Highland Council acting as the lead authority.
The large-scale project will accelerate the region’s transition to Net Zero and see 570 new charging points installed across the north of Scotland by 2028, more than doubling the existing infrastructure and further enhancing the region’s charging network.
EasyGo will also adopt and maintain all existing council-owned public charging points in the region.
Transport Scotland has committed more than seven million pounds of funding to enable the partnership as part of the Scottish Government’s 30 million pounds Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. The fund was launched in 2022 and enables local authorities to work with the private sector to deliver a high-quality public EV charging network across all of Scotland.
The north of Scotland partnership is the first inter-council contract to have been awarded and is the largest grant award in Scotland since the fund’s inception.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Vice Convener of The Highland Council, says : “This project exemplifies the power of collaboration as we work closely with our neighbouring local authorities to create a comprehensive and accessible EV charging network.”
“By addressing the critical need for expanded charging infrastructure, we are removing significant barriers to electric vehicle adoption, better serving our communities in both urban and rural areas and delivering a wide range of community benefits,” he adds.
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Ian Yuill states: “The new enlarged infrastructure means more places to charge EVs which fits in with Aberdeen City Council’s plans for net zero and with the aim of improving air quality. Hopefully there will be increased use of the charging stations. We will continue to promote greener technologies because everyone benefits from a cleaner environment. Looking to the future, we want to ensure Aberdeen’s place as energy capital of Europe.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader Councillor Christian Allard indicates: “The investment in the city’s electric vehicle network is part of our Net Zero Vision and Strategic Infrastructure Plan for Energy Transition. The new infrastructure will help cement our position as a world leader in the energy sector as an economic driver for the city, region, Scotland and the UK.”
Councillor Gillian Owen, Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, says: “As a large rural authority, we acknowledge that more needs to be done to improve and extend the existing infrastructure to cater for under-served areas across Aberdeenshire and to ensure far greater reliability of services for motorists. Through this ambitious partnership approach, I am confident it will encourage a major increase in EV usage and help promote equality within both rural and urban areas.”
Councillor Kathleen Robertson, Leader of Moray Council, comments: “We’re not only expanding the EV charging infrastructure in Moray but working with our neighbours to open up economic growth and development opportunities across our region. By playing our own part in the drive to net zero we’re helping Scotland make the journey that really matters. As an electric car driver myself I know how welcome this investment will be for locals and visitors and am proud we’re delivering a climate positive network for the ages.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop inicates: “I’m pleased that over seven million pounds from the Scottish Government is transforming public electric vehicle infrastructure across the north of Scotland. Our 30 million pounds Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund has now been fully allocated to support this type of collaboration across the country and is expected to support the delivery of around 6,000 additional public charge points by 2030.”
She continues: “In the north of Scotland, our investment has enabled an innovative procurement partnership across four local authorities, that is expected to leverage over 4.9 million pounds of additional matched private sector investment over the next three years to expand the availability, accessibility and reliability of public EV charging.”
“As we transition away from ChargePlace Scotland, in line with our published vision for public charging infrastructure – this truly collaborative approach, supported through our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, directly contributes to our ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.”
About EasyGo
EasyGo is a leading provider of EV charging solutions, operating over 4,500 chargers across more than 1,500 locations in Ireland.
Founded in 2018, the company delivers fast, reliable direct current (DC) charging to over 100,000 EV drivers and collaborates with major industry players to enhance the accessibility and interoperability of its charging infrastructure.
Ollie Chatten, CEO of EasyGo, states: “As the largest EV charging network across Ireland, we are truly excited to be working with the Scottish Government on the north of Scotland electric vehicle charging infrastructure partnership, following a successful and thorough procurement process.”
“Supporting progressive councils across the country in building out EV infrastructure is a vital step towards a more sustainable and future-focused Scotland”.
