SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has made more than 160 electric vehicle (EV) chargers available at hubs across Lanarkshire as part of Project PACE.
The project being developed in conjunction with the Scottish government will save taxpayers £2.6 million and increase the number of public chargers in the area by over 200%, SPEN said in 2020.
Built at locations best suited to the needs of the local community, the EV charging hubs have been developed in order to provide the necessary infrastructure required to cater for the growing EV market.
In total, 167 chargers have now been made available to drivers across sites including train stations, libraries, community centres and country parks. This includes Strathclyde Country Park, Lanark Lifestyles and Getting Better Together Shotts.
“The results of PACE are there for all to see and I’m proud this project delivers such a significant contribution towards the electrification of transport,” said Lynda Ward, transformation director at SP Energy Networks.
“The usage of the chargers shows the appetite and value of projects such as PACE and enables people to make greener choices more easily. The project is a shining example of the power of collaboration to create a greener, cleaner future for all and I’m looking forward to seeing the hubs continue to thrive in the coming years as SP Energy Networks continues to drive forward to a net zero emissions future.”
Project PACE aims to develop 44 EV charging hubs in order to cater for the rising demand. This has been made even more significant due to the internal combustion engine sale ban coming into effect from 2030.
The first EV charging hub had been developed at Strathclyde Country Park in August 2020 and had been utilised over 1,700 times in 11 weeks, according to SPEN.
The use of EV chargers in the region has increased since 2020 with further access to charging points. SPEN said the charging points have been used over 105,000 times and have enabled 4,150 EVs to be on the roads.
“I’m delighted to celebrate the success of project PACE. Our £5.3 million funding of this project underlines the Scottish Government’s commitment to supporting the uptake of electric vehicles,” said Jenny Gilruth, Minister for Transport.
“This project shows the importance of partnership working with both North and South Lanarkshire Councils having played a significant part in its success. I look forward to the Scottish Government continuing to work with Scotland’s electricity network companies to support the electric vehicle transition so we can realise benefits across the country.”
Scotland is continuing to develop its EV infrastructure with the Scottish National Investment Bank allocating £2 million to Forev in 2021 to create a network of 1,700 chargepoints across public sites in Scotland.
Current±’s publisher Solar Media is running the EV World Congress on 5 and 6 October at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Tower Bridge. To find out more and get your ticket, see here.
