Glasgow Smart Car Chargers

UK-first electric vehicle smart charging scheme to be launched in Scotland.

08:48 25 August 2021

Smart car owners in Scotland are set to benefit from a new UK-first electric vehicle smart charging scheme. 

 

Glasgow city, East Lothian, Hackney and Shropshire in England are the first regions across the nation that have been chosen to participate in the trial due to the high local demand for public EV chargers. 

 

The scheme, which is a part of the Agile Street project, is expected to make it easier and cheaper for EV owners who don't have off-street parking to recharge their cars. 

 

Clare de Mowbray, from East Lothian, said: “I’ve been driving electric vehicles for over two years and absolutely love all aspects of it.

 

“We don't have off-road parking, so have relied totally on the public charging network – paying a premium for energy in the process.

 

“This scheme will allow me to save money every month, while also making it easier for me to charge by increasing the number of charge points.

 

“I’m thrilled to be playing my part in a project that is accelerating the transition to a greener future.

 

“By making it more accessible, simpler and cheaper for folk to switch to eco driving, they'll never go back.”

 

Councillor Anna Richardson, city convener for sustainability and carbon reduction at Glasgow City Council, said: “Providing equal access to affordable electric vehicle charging across the city is a key part of Glasgow's Climate Plan to respond urgently and effectively to the consequences of a changing climate.

 

“This scheme offers a great opportunity for local residents to have access to charging infrastructure that could save them hundreds of pounds every year.

 

“Not only is this crucial as we move closer to the 2030 ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars, but it will also directly contribute to the city's ambitions in reaching net-zero carbon by 2030.”

 

Chris Pateman-Jones, chief executive of smart charger firm Connected Kerb, said: “Easy access to affordable charging infrastructure is one of the biggest barriers to the uptake of EVs.

 

“The number of smart energy tariffs has exploded in recent years, thanks to increasing demand from EV owners, making charging at home one of the most affordable ways to travel today.

 

“However, almost half of us don’t have that privilege and instead rely on public charging infrastructure which is often more expensive.

 

“It is vital that access to affordable energy is equitable across the entire population – driveway or not – and this project does just that.”