SIC to carry out study on extending electric vehicle charging network

SHETLAND Islands Council has secured funding to carry out a feasibility study to explore how the local network of electric vehicle charging points can be extended.

The money has come from the Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund, which aims to accelerate the transition of Scotland’s transport sector towards a low carbon future.

The council has already installed a number of government-funded EV charge points throughout Shetland and it is hoping to expand this network.

The local authority, however, said “where and what size of charge point” now needs some consideration.

Charging can be carried out overnight at home on cheap rate electricity by installing a grant-funded home charge point.

A local certified installer is available to carry out the work, and details of available grants can be obtained from the council.

Businesses, meanwhile, can also install charge points on their own premises for their own fleet – the council has already done so and says it would be happy to share that expertise.

Chairman of the council’s environment and transport committee Ryan Thomson said: “I would encourage anyone who is thinking of moving away from fossil fuelled vehicles to make their views known for this study.

“Individuals, as well as local transport and haulage networks, are being given an opportunity to feed information into government and to influence the strategy being developed.”

Anyone wishing to discuss their views on EV charging and have them included in the feasibility study should phone the SIC’s energy helpdesk on 01595 744179 or email mary.lisk@shetland.gov.uk.