Scotland announces £85m for EV incentives and infrastructure

Transport Scotland has announced funding of £85 million for the rollout of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the switch to zero emission vehicles.

The draft 2026-27 Scottish Budget commits £4.3 billion to transport investment, including £316 million for sustainable travel, low carbon and climate positive activities, such as supporting the switch to sustainable modes of transport and promoting walking, wheeling and cycling for shorter journeys.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop, visited an E.ON Drive Charging Station in Stirling, and said: “Our 2026‑27 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 2026-27 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 draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 was published on 13 January 2026, along with the Scottish Spending Review 2026 and draft Infrastructure Strategy.