Scottish electric vehicle chargepoints grew by 22.5% over last year – figures

Scotland’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network grew by 22.5% in the last year, according to statistics from the Department for Transport.

The UK Government department said there are now 7,355 chargers on Scotland’s roads, with a further 1,349 added since October last year.

Overall, the UK’s EV charging network grew by 23% in the last year, bringing over 15,000 more charging devices to motorists on UK roads.

A number of Scottish Government initiatives have offered funding to support EV infrastructure around the country.

The UK government has also launched the £650 million Electric Car Grant, which enables discounts on certain models.

UK minister for decarbonisation Keir Mather said: “There’s never been a better time to go electric – chargepoints are up 23% in a year, and we’re helping drivers save with discounts of up to £3,750 on new electric cars — all part of our Plan for Change.

“We’re also cutting red tape so renters and those without driveways can access affordable home charging, making it easier and cheaper for everyone to make the switch.”

Responding to the figures, SNP MSP Kevin Stewart said: “Under the SNP, Scotland is leading the way in the provision of public EV charging points.

“Last year, we met our 2026 target of installing 6,000 points two years ahead of schedule and figures from July this year showed that Scotland has more public charging points per head of population than elsewhere in the UK.

“These latest figures show that the number of charging points in Scotland has continued to grow at a phenomenal rate over the last year, with the SNP Government prioritising tackling the climate emergency and making sustainable travel accessible to everyone.”

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We welcome the UK Government’s acknowledgement of the significant progress the Scottish Government has made in this devolved policy area.

“Since 2011, the Scottish Government has provided over £65 million to support the development of public EV charging infrastructure across Scotland.

“As a direct result of this Scottish Government funding and increasing private sector investment, Scotland now has 7,355 public charge points, a target for 6,000 public Charge points was met in October 2024, two years ahead of schedule.

“Scotland has one of the most comprehensive public charging networks in the UK, with, on a per head of population basis, more rapid public EV charge points than any other part of the UK except the South East of England and we have committed to enabling the delivery of approximately 24,000 additional public charge points by 2030, largely funded and delivered by the private sector.”