EV drivers ‘enjoying greater range confidence than ever before’, transport secretary says on Caithness visit
Scottish Government support is helping to give motorists greater confidence in the long-distance capabilities of electric vehicles, the transport secretary said during a visit to Caithness.
Fiona Hyslop called in at the Ulbster Arms Hotel in Halkirk to see a 120kW ultra-rapid charger, the most northerly of its kind on the mainland.
She was shown how it works by Rob Smith, head of project management office at the EV charge-point operator Believ.
The company collaborates with local authorities and says its mission is to create the UK’s most reliable EV charging network, which anyone can use safely and easily.
Ms Hyslop said the Halkirk charge point had been made possible by “the Scottish Government’s focus on joint public and private investment in the charging network – helping people in all parts of Scotland make the switch to EVs”.
She added: “Through our investment, electric vehicle drivers are enjoying greater range confidence than ever before.”
Ms Hyslop carried out a number of engagements in the Highlands over the course of several days. She was keen to see the vital role transport plays in daily life and economic growth while addressing climate change.
“I really appreciate the opportunity to see the value of transport first-hand and these few days have shown the impact of the Scottish Government’s investment in transport across the north of Scotland on the economy, people and communities,” she said.
“I travelled on the far north rail line, one of Scotland’s most scenic routes, where Scottish Government investment of £11.5 million has enabled Network Rail to upgrade the line, making vital rail services more reliable and smoother for the people of the Highlands.
“I was thrilled to meet young apprentices at Network Rail who are just starting out in what I’m sure will be really fulfilling careers.
“I visited the A9 to see the ongoing work on the dualling programme which is achieving the targets we set in December 2023. We are making steady progress across the corridor to ensure that the full route between Perth and Inverness is dualled by 2035, improving road safety and supporting the economy with a more reliable route.”
Ms Hyslop also had engagements in Fort William, Kishorn and Inverness.
She added: “All parts of the country are benefiting from Scottish Government funding as we work towards a greener, fairer, more resilient and wealthier Scotland. Transport plays a fundamental role in achieving all of those goals.”