Scottish Cities Alliance

Scotland is accelerating its journey toward a net zero transport system, and the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure is at the heart of this transformation. Through the £30 million Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, the Scottish Government is empowering local authorities to work hand-in-hand with private sector partners to deliver a high-quality, accessible public charging network. This initiative supports Scotland’s ambitious target to phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032, while improving air quality and driving sustainable mobility.

Regional Leadership: Aberdeen and the North of Scotland

Aberdeen is playing a pivotal role in this national effort. A major regional collaboration involving Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Highland, and Moray Councils, in partnership with EasyGo, will see the installation of 570 new EV charging points by 2028—more than doubling the current network. This project, backed by over £7 million from the national fund, prioritises rural accessibility and public access, ensuring that the benefits of electrification reach communities across the North of Scotland.

In May 2025, this momentum was further strengthened when EZO secured a 20-year contract to manage and expand EV charging infrastructure across the region. EZO’s investment includes a new operational site at Thainstone, Aberdeenshire, which will serve as a hub for scaling infrastructure and supporting local employment. This strategic move was facilitated by Invest Aberdeen, whose team engaged with EZO at UKREiiF 2025, enabling rapid progress on property solutions and workforce planning.

EZO is not only expanding infrastructure – it is driving a bolder vision for smarter, more connected, fully electrified transport. Their operations are projected to save 1.3 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually, reinforcing the environmental impact of this transition and positioning the North of Scotland as a leader in sustainable mobility.

Urban Innovation: Dundee Sets the Benchmark

While Aberdeen leads in regional expansion, Dundee demonstrates what’s possible in urban EV infrastructure. The Myrekirk EV Charging Hub, developed by SSE, is one of the most advanced facilities in the UK, featuring 24 ultra-rapid charging bays with a combined capacity of nearly 2.5 megawatts. With chargers capable of delivering up to 60 miles of range in just three minutes, this hub exemplifies how public-private partnerships can deliver cutting-edge solutions that support Scotland’s 2030 target for phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles.

The Role of UKREiiF in Driving Investment

The success of projects like EZO’s North of Scotland expansion underscores the importance of platforms such as UKREiiF in shaping Scotland’s investment landscape. At UKREiiF 2025, Invest Aberdeen met with Enterprise Ireland, creating the connections that enabled EZO’s plans to move forward at pace. These engagements highlight how UKREiiF acts as a catalyst for collaboration, bringing together cities, investors, and innovators to deliver the infrastructure that underpins Scotland’s net zero ambitions.

A Whole-System Approach

Beyond infrastructure, Scotland’s transition is supported by initiatives like the Domestic Charge Point Grant, managed by the Energy Saving Trust, which offers homeowners up to £400 toward installing home charging points. Together, these efforts reflect a coordinated, whole-system approach to decarbonising transport—combining national policy, local leadership, and private investment to create a cleaner, greener future.

Aberdeen’s leadership in regional EV infrastructure, Dundee’s urban innovation, and EZO’s bold vision for connected electrified transport demonstrate how Scotland is turning ambition into action. With strategic investment engagement through UKREiiF and strong public-private partnerships, Scotland is firmly on the road to net zero.