New EV charging platform to be piloted in Scotland

A new one-card system that allows electric vehicle (EV) drivers to connect to Scotland’s charging network is being piloted next week.

ChargePlace Scotland (CPS) has partnered with fuel card provider Paua to provide the roaming solution for EV drivers and fleet operators – which enables billing and access to multiple Scottish charging networks from Lerwick to Berwick via a single solution.

The solution will be trialled at next week’s Great British EV Rally that sets off from John O'Groats to Land’s End.

Chris Waldron, head of low carbon consumers at Transport Scotland, said: “We are delighted to have entered this partnership with Paua.

"The Scottish Government is firmly committed to transport decarbonisation, and we see roaming as a key step in improving driver experience.

“The GB EV Rally is the perfect event for trialling network roaming across Charge Place Scotland. We look forward to building on this experience and enabling wider interoperability in future."

The new charge point system has been welcomed by the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) Scotland. Director Neil Swanson said: “Making the EV charging and billing process for drivers simple to understand and easy to operate is essential for both the day-to-day user experience and a practical perspective when it comes to cross system connectivity and billing.

“These are the key factors in persuading both the ordinary EV motorist and the fleet operators who are eager to make the transition to all electric transportation to do so.

“EVA Scotland has advocated for, and advised government and charge point operator of the need for a roaming service that brings together a unified system, that reduces the number of cards, apps and tariffs EV drivers currently have to juggle.

“Having one charge card that allows access across all networks has to be the answer. We are encouraged by this partnership and believe it represents a unique opportunity to improve the EV driver’s charging experience.”

The platform, which is being supported by Transport Scotland, is expected to be rolled out across the UK soon.

Domestic EV smart charge points that become compulsory on UK homes from this week could usher in a new era of travel taxation and energy rationing, it was claimed.

A 'guest opinion' from Jordan Brompton, the co-founder and chief marketing officer of myenergi, published by AM today, explained why car retail customers should be reassured that the new technology will lead to cheaper travel rather than inconsistent charging and increased cost, however.

The announcemenet of the pilot follows the Government's axing of the plug-in car grant (PiCG).