The Scottish Government has revealed their plans to eliminate diesel and petrol cars by 2050 as part of a ‘Switched on Scotland’ document, which aims to completely decarbonise road transport.
The Government plans to lead by example, and will spend £14 million over the next two years purchasing EVs for their own fleet. Electric charge points will be installed at all main Government buildings.
What other changes can we expect?
- By 2040, almost all new vehicles sold will be zero-emission at the tailpipe
- By 2030, half of all fossil-fuelled vehicles will be phased out of urban environments across Scotland
What is the Government currently doing to encourage EV uptake?
- Currently, grants of up to £5,000 are available towards the purchase cost of an electric car, with up to £8,000 available for the purchase of an electric van.
- Scottish households that buy an electric vehicle receive a 100% grant for a home charging point.
- A pilot scheme that discounts ferry fares for electric vehicles on routes to Mull and Bute is also being introduced.
- Electric vehicle owners pay no road tax.
With only 235 new electric vehicles registered in Scotland last year, some feel that the country should be focusing on reducing vehicle emissions in other ways. Green MSP Alison Johnstone said the Scottish Government is wrong to think electric cars will solve Scottish pollution and congestion issues.
She said: “There is just a tiny handful of electric cars on our roads and I see no sign that the uptake is going to dramatically increase."
“More could be achieved right now by repairing our potholed roads, making streets safer for cyclists and pedestrians, and making public transport more accessible for more people.”
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