The Scottish Government has announced that it will provide over £30 million this financial year to accelerate the shift to zero emission transport.

This includes support for zero emission community transport and car clubs in addition to funding interest free loans for electric vehicles. This approach is designed to support more people and households on lower incomes to make the switch to electric.

At the moment, funding is now being prioritised to focus on used electric vehicles, businesses and people living in rural areas, those operating light commercial vehicles as part of their business, in addition to the taxi sector.

Jenny Gilruth, Minister for Transport, said: 

“Our funding package of over £30 million for zero emission grants and loans will be refocussed to support the many people and businesses, particularly in rural areas, who still require access to vehicles. By providing interest free loans for used electric cars and for new light commercial vehicles and taxis, we continue to support our ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.”

Neil Leckie, Senior Programme Manager, Energy Saving Trust, said:

“The Low Carbon Transport Loans have been instrumental in providing much needed support for drivers in Scotland to lower both their carbon impact and fuel costs. We are motivated by the progress made over the past ten years, having worked closely with Transport Scotland to deliver more than £165 million in interest free loans to support the purchase of over 6,100 electric vehicles. In the year ahead, we look forward to continuing to create lasting change, including making used electric vehicles accessible to a wider audience by reducing upfront costs – supporting a just transition to net zero.”