Dave Thompson MSP

Dave Thompson, SNP MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch recently (14/01/16) used a question in the Scottish Parliament to ask the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Aileen McLeod, if the number of rapid (50kW) electric car charging points in the Highlands and Islands should be increased to make ownership of electric vehicles in the Highlands and Islands more attractive.

Mr Thompson declared his personal interest in the topic, having recently leased an all-electric Nissan Leaf.

Dave said, “In the Highlands and in rural areas, there are not that many rapid (50kW) charge points so electric cars are able to be charged in half an hour to an hour. There are fast (24kW) charge points, but this takes considerably longer and is off-putting to those who might otherwise be interested in getting an electric car and reducing their carbon footprint.

“To tackle climate change, we must make electric car travel more attractive, so I am pleased that the Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Land Reform, Aileen McLeod, agrees with me that there should be more rapid charge points to aid this process.

“It is good news that there are already 43 available for public use, and better still that a further 10 to be commissioned in the coming months, and that Scotland is developing one of the most comprehensive networks of rapid charge points in Europe”.

Note:

Dave’s Question from Parliament on Thursday 14 January.

Dave Thompson (Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch) (SNP): I have to declare an interest because I have just leased an all-electric Nissan Leaf. Does the minister agree that the number of rapid 50kW electric car charging points in the Highlands and Islands should be increased to make ownership of electric vehicles in the Highlands and Islands more attractive?

Minister: Aileen McLeod: Yes, that is why we are working closely with our local authorities and other partners to deliver rapid charge points across the Highlands and Islands. There are already 43 available for public use, with a further 10 to be commissioned in the coming months. Scotland now has one of the most comprehensive networks of rapid charge points in Europe, supporting the continued growth of the electric vehicle market. 

http://www.scottish.parliament.uk/parliamentarybusiness/report.aspx?r=10303&i=94801#sthash.RiTHEq4y.dpuf