Scotland is set to invest £85 million in electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the transition to zero emission vehicles as part of the 2026 to 27 draft Scottish Budget.
The funding was confirmed by Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop during a visit to an EV charging site in Stirling.
The investment forms part of more than £4 billion allocated to transport in the coming financial year.
The draft Budget commits £4.3 billion to transport investment overall, including public and low carbon transport aimed at tackling climate change.
A record £2.7 billion of that total will be spent on public transport alone.
In addition, £316 million has been allocated for sustainable travel, low carbon, and climate positive activities.
That funding is intended to support walking, wheeling, and cycling for shorter journeys while encouraging a broader shift to sustainable transport modes.
The £85 million EV investment will support both new and existing low carbon programmes.
Ministers say it will play a key role in expanding Scotland’s electric vehicle charging network.
The funding will also support new incentives designed to help consumers and businesses make the switch to electric vehicles.
As part of the announcement, Fiona Hyslop visited an E.ON Drive charging station operated by E.ON in Stirling.
The Scottish Government says private sector collaboration will be critical in delivering the scale of infrastructure required.
Fiona Hyslop said:
“Our 2026 to 27 draft Budget delivers significant investment to keep families and communities connected, enable access to public services and provide the foundation for economic activity in Scotland.
“We know that we need to reduce emissions and support a Just Transition to net zero by 2045.
“That’s why, in 2026 to 27 we will provide £85 million to fund new and continuing low carbon activities, including further developing Scotland’s EV charging network and new incentives to continue to support consumers and businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles.
“We are also using our Non Domestic Rates regime to further our net zero ambitions by introducing a relief for qualifying Electric Vehicle charging points for 10 years.
“Our plans for the next financial year and beyond will deliver against the First Minister’s priorities and Programme for Government commitments, guided as ever by our National Transport Strategy.
“Protecting our climate has never been more important and this draft Budget strengthens our resolve and commitment to do so.”
The Scottish Government says the investment is intended to provide certainty for industry while accelerating progress towards net zero.
Officials argue that improving charging availability is essential to removing barriers to EV adoption.
The funding package is also designed to ensure that rural and urban communities benefit from the transition.
Ministers say transport investment will remain central to Scotland’s response to climate change in the years ahead.
