The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Electric car charging firm’s move to city will spark jobs
More than a dozen new jobs are to be created as the firm taking on responsibility for the country’s electric car charging sites moves into Dundee.
SWARCO evolt will operate the Chargeplace Scotland network from July, taking over from Charge your Car.
Scotland’s public electric vehicle charging network has more than 1,600 points across the country.
The contract is estimated to be worth up to £1.2 million and is expected to run for a minimum of two years.
The firm will begin its move into the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc (MSIP) on Baldovie Road next month.
It is headquartered in Austria and the Dundee base will be its first location in Scotland.
The move will create 18 new local jobs.
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said the appointment is an important step in Scotland’s plan for carbon neutrality.
He said: “The development of EV infrastructure in our communities brings economic benefits right across Scotland – and it’s good to see that this contract with SWARCO will bring new jobs to Dundee at the Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc – Scotland’s hub for net-zero innovation.
“We remain focused on accelerating the provision of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and ensuring that Scotland is at the forefront of markets for zero-emission mobility – both through public and increasingly private routes.
“But key to the uptake of electric vehicles is reliable charging infrastructure that people can count on.
“I’m confident that SWARCO evolt will meet our vision for the Chargeplace Scotland network over the coming years.”
Justin Meyer, managing director for SWARCO evolt, said they aimed to make the service as reliable as possible.
He said: “Our charging technology has become the watchword for reliability and performance in a world that demands certainty, and our approach to smart charging through our e.connect software solution will be at the heart of the ambition to build a truly world-class network.
“SWARCO’S key focus will be on service delivery and maximum uptime.
“EV drivers will need to have total confidence in the network to keep them on the road, and it is with this in mind that we will be developing the gold standard in service for the driver community.
“The Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc, set up as a location for companies that are leading the way in sustainable mobility and decarbonisation, is the perfect location for our new offices, and we look forward to providing more employment opportunities for local communities.”
Greig Coull, CEO of MSIP, said: “It’s great news that SWARCO has chosen to locate at MSIP.
“Job creation is our top priority and the new jobs that SWARCO will bring to MSIP and Dundee are welcomed.
“This is the first of several new companies that we look to welcome to the Innovation Parc this year, creating economic growth and opportunities for the region.
“I believe SWARCO will complement those that have already chosen to locate here well, and its decision to locate at MSIP is the start of what I anticipate to be an exciting journey for them and us.”