Electric car charging bays are installed
Dunblane has plugged into Scotland’s longest electric vehicle (EV) ready route.
Stirling Council has installed four rapid charging bays for charging “on the go”, and four slow charging bays for longer stays, at Springfield Terrace in Dunblane.
The chargers will be part of the wider Electric A9 project, Scotland’s longest EV ready route, which seeks to help drivers in rural and urban Scotland access the benefits of driving EVs.
Charging hubs will be located in communities along the 273 miles between Falkirk Stadium in the south and Scrabster Harbour in the north, providing EV charging for long distance journeys, local charging for businesses and residents, and charging at commuter destinations.
Director of Discover Dunblane, Tom Casey, said: “The installation of the EV chargers is another significant step for Dunblane in improving accessibility to the town centre area in a way that is supportive of environmental sustainability. We would also like to thank Stirling Council for their support in securing funding and overseeing installation.”
Stirling Council’s environment and housing convener Councillor Jim Thomson said: “Electric vehicles are the future and we will deliver a range of initiatives over the next couple of years that will demonstrate to Stirling residents, commuters and visitors our commitment to preparing for the inevitable move to a green energy transport system.”
Vice convenor Councillor Danny Gibson said: “These new charging points will help put Stirling right at the forefront of the low carbon revolution and encourage more drivers to go electric. Stirling Council’s vision is for the city region to align with the most successful cities across the globe by becoming a leader in progressive sustainable development. By joining the Electric A9 project it demonstrates our commitment to helping deliver green energy for citizens, commuters and visitors that will benefit both today’s travellers and future generations.”
Among schedule initiatives Stirling Council has planned is the purchase of 46 electric vehicles and installation over 100 charging bays, funded through a £2.2 million award from the Scottish Government’s Switched on Towns and Cities Challenge Fund.
During the past year the council has invested around £800K to install electric vehicle chargers in a variety of locations, including new substations at Forthside and Castleview.
A further £1.5 million will also be invested to create Europe’s largest electric vehicle charging hub at Castleview Park and Ride. Delivered by the end of 2020, it will see the installation of solar canopies and a major battery storage system with up to 60-plus charge points.