AS a recent convert to owning an EV (electric vehicle), I was pleased that we have (or had?) a largely public network of charging stations with a common access and payment mode. This was, as I understand, largely promoted by our Scottish Government and Transport Scotland.
This is wholly unlike south of the Border where, according to Which?, there is a plethora of disparate networks AND access AND payment modes. Many are deemed to have low-grade connectivity scores.
READ MORE: EV charging fees in prospect as Scots infrastructure struggles
I was therefore surprised to see your report that our new Scottish National Investment Bank is funding a new wholly commercial charging network (Bank’s funding spurs on network roll-out, Jul 30).
How does this new commercial network fit with our Scottish Government’s vision in encouraging local authorities to provide EV charging stations AND for a common and universal network?
Further to that, I have been informed that Chargeplace Scotland, which in effect managed and administered the network, has been replaced by an English organisation? I have no knowledge of the background or why. As this something that I understand Transport Scotland has responsibility for, why have they been so quiet about it? And what is the rationale?
My concern is, are we getting away from the concept of a universal charging network, to having a plethora of incompatible charging points, as is the case south of the Border?
Willie Oswald
Blanefield
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