Plans to upgrade electric vehicle charging network

A £1.465 million plan to supercharge electric vehicle charging in Perth and Kinross will be presented to councillors next week.

The Climate Change and Sustainability Committee will be asked to approve the Council’s Strategy and Expansions Plan for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

The Council wants to create an accessible EV charging network that meets the needs of users across Perth and Kinross, particularly those in rural areas,

To achieve this, the Council is planning mini rapid charging hubs in strategic locations. These will be supported by a range of local fast chargers in towns and rural areas.

In total, there will be three mini hubs, 40 fast chargers installed in rural areas and another 40 in Perth, where there is higher demand but limited off-street parking.

A further six rapid charging units would be added to existing sites: three at the South Inch hub in Perth and three in Kinross.

The total cost of installing the new chargers is estimated at £1.465 million. A significant proportion of the funding is expected to come from the Scottish Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund with the remainder from private investment.

Climate Change and Sustainability Convenor Councillor Richard Watters said: "“This is a long-term project but it is important we plan for rising demand. Improving network coverage will make driving electric vehicles more efficient and sustainable, wherever in Perth and Kinross you are based.

“We are committed to tackling the climate emergency and this will be a significant step towards reaching Net Zero.

“We’ve already seen significant private investment in the charging network in Perth and Kinross and expect to see more as the network grows.

“I am pleased that the Council committed an additional £250,000 in this year’s budget to enhance the provision of EV charging points across the Council area.”