PM should use Cop31 to ‘match Scotland’s ambition’ on EV infrastructure – SNP

Prime Minister Andy Burnham should use Cop31 to “match Scotland’s ambition” on electric vehicle charging infrastructure, the SNP has claimed.

Data obtained from the UK Government shows that as of October 2026, Scotland has 235 EV chargers per 100,000 people, ahead of the UK average of 180.

The same applies to superfast chargers, where Scotland has 62 per 100,000 people compared to the UK average of 43.

The Prime Minister is set to attend Cop for the first time this year.

Speaking as the UN climate change conference is held in Turkey, SNP MSP Calum Kerr said the rest of the UK “lags behind” Scotland on the rollout of electric car networks.

He said: “Andy Burnham must use Cop to match Scotland’s delivery on electric car-charging networks.

“The data is clear that Scotland is driving forward the rollout while the rest of the UK lags behind.

“We all often talk about where our energy comes from but not about the huge levels of demand we have for that energy – electric vehicle charging is crucial to that if we are to meet our climate targets.

“The move towards these vehicles is rapidly growing but remains fragile – what is required is stability for the industry and to support the development of the necessary infrastructure.”

In Scotland last year, ownership of electric vehicles rose by more than 45% and the Scottish Government invested in excess of £30 million in the electric vehicle infrastructure fund (EVIF) which supports local authorities in partnering with private sector companies to expand public electric vehicle charging across Scotland.

Mr Kerr continued: “That is what the SNP has been doing in Scotland and that is why our charging network is substantially further developed than the rest of the UK.

“Andy Burnham must use Cop31 to match Scotland’s ambition, back further investment in charging infrastructure and ensure drivers across these islands have the confidence to make the switch to electric.”

A Department for Transport (DFT) spokesperson said: “It has never been easier or cheaper to own an EV – with sales up by 36% in September thanks to our £7.5 billion investment in the market, and nearly 2.0 million EV drivers saving up to £1,750 a year in running costs.

“We know how important charging infrastructure is in the EV transition, which is why we’re investing £600 million to rollout thousands more chargers across the UK – building on more than 100,000 local chargers that we’re delivering in England, and over 120,000 already available.”