The Scottish Government has increased funding for a number of electric vehicle (EV) schemes as part of its plans to phase out conventional new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032.
The overall budget for the Low Carbon Transport Loan, has increased from £8m to £20m for 2018/19, while the Switched on Fleets budget has been quadrupled from £1.2 million to £4.8 million in 2018/19.
Additionally, a new funding stream, the Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund has been announced.
The Challenge Fund will be run as an annual competition. It is expected that up to five awards will be made through the first round of funding with eligible costs per project in the range of £1.5 million to £2.5 million.
Up to 100% of eligible costs may be supported by Transport Scotland funding, although extra credit will be given to bids that can bring match-funding from non-Transport Scotland sources.
Projects will need to focus upon either a single town or city. It will be up to the local authority to prioritise which town or city this will be in collaboration with any project partners.
The Government is encouraging projects which include solutions for EV charging for residents living in tenements or with no off-street parking.
Applicants are also expected to describe the wider non-capital activities they plan or have already implemented to encourage and incentivise EV uptake in the relevant town or city.
