ScottishPower has teamed up with HITRANS to expand electric vehicle charging across Scotlands remote islands and Highlands. This move comes as the old public funding deal ends and aims to make charging more reliable for drivers in tough to reach spots.
Partnership Details
The deal lets ScottishPower take charge of more than 120 charging points in key areas. It builds on work from last year when they set up 23 fast chargers through a project called FASTER.
This partnership replaces the ChargePlace Scotland setup that wrapped up recently. ScottishPower now handles everything from mapping the points to payments and a help line for drivers. The goal is to support low carbon travel in places where getting around can be hard.
Experts say this step helps Scotland hit its net zero target by 2045. EV sales in the UK jumped 20 percent last year and this network push fits right into that trend.
Coverage and Reach
The network spreads out to four main regions with council owned chargers. Each spot serves local people and lots of tourists who visit every year.
Here is a breakdown of the chargers and the areas they cover:
| Region | Number of Chargers | Population | Annual Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argyll and Bute | 37 | 87,810 | 461,000 |
| Western Isles | 29 | 26,720 | 219,000 |
| Orkney | 30 | 22,270 | 192,000 |
| Shetland | 27 | 22,900 | 80,000 |
These numbers show how the setup targets busy spots for both residents and guests. In places like the Western Isles, chargers help ferry users switch to cleaner rides.
New Service Upgrades
ScottishPower plans to roll out better features to keep things running smooth. Drivers will get real time updates on charger status right from their phones.
Key upgrades include:
- Automated checks for faults to fix issues fast.
- Flexible payment plans that fit different budgets.
- Options to share chargers between users and councils.
- A platform that tracks usage and helps plan expansions.
These changes make the system user friendly and cut down on downtime. Local leaders praise the focus on rural needs where weather can play a big role.
One recent event ties in well. Just last month, a storm hit Orkney and knocked out some old chargers. This new setup with better monitoring should handle such problems better.
Benefits for Drivers and Environment
For EV owners, the network means less worry about running out of juice on long trips. Islands like Shetland see fewer cars per person but growing interest in green travel.
The push also cuts down on fossil fuel use in transport, which makes up 30 percent of Scotlands emissions. By making charging easy, more folks might ditch gas cars for electrics.
Tourism gets a lift too. Visitors to Argyll and Bute, with its stunning coasts, can now explore without range anxiety. This links to broader efforts like the UKs plan to ban new petrol sales by 2035.
Looking Ahead to Growth
About 60 chargers will switch over this winter with the rest following in early 2026. ScottishPower eyes adding even more points as demand rises.
This tie up sets a model for other parts of the UK facing similar challenges. With EV numbers climbing, reliable networks like this one prove key to a greener future.
If you drive an EV or plan to get one, this news could make your next trip to Scotland smoother. Share your thoughts in the comments below and tell friends about these exciting changes in green energy.
