£500,000 EV fund launched for Scotland social housing tenants

The next round of Scotland’s Plugged-In Households Grant Fund has opened for social housing providers, third sector and community organisations to receive electric vehicle (EV) car hire clubs.

£500,000 is available to help tenants, local residents and staff access EVs on demand through the clubs.

The fund, which launched for the first time in October 2018, has already created opportunities for people to drive low emission vehicles in Aberdeenshire, Elgin, Fife, Glasgow, Midlothian, Paisley and Orkney. In total, it’s claimed the clubs will now be available to over 100,000 households.

This year, the fund is also accepting applications from third sector organisations and it’s hoped that the second round will enable more communities to take advantage of the funding on offer right across Scotland.

It’s being delivered and administered through Energy Saving Trust, and organisations have until August 23 to apply.

Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: ‘There has been a fantastic response from social housing providers to the Plugged-In Households Grant Fund, and so I’m delighted that we can respond by providing another half a million pounds to expand affordable access to electric vehicles.

‘This is an inclusive, innovative and progressive initiative, which gives people affordable access to the latest electric vehicles and offers a real alternative to costly car ownership.’

Ellie Grebenik, Senior Programme Manager at Energy Saving Trust, added: ‘Round two of Plugged-In Households grant funding will open up greater access to electric vehicles (EVs) across numerous Scottish housing association and third sector locations.

‘The funding enables tenants, staff and the wider community to enjoy sustainable transport through local EV car clubs.

‘The adoption of EVs is growing in pace, supported by Energy Saving Trust’s interest free loans and robust public charging infrastructure. The switch to ultra-low emission vehicles is essential to reduce emissions and improve air quality in line with Transport Scotland’s strategy.’