Plug into info about electric vehicles in East Dunbartonshire

Date: 
Wednesday, 3 March, 2021


People are being given the chance to find out more about electric vehicles following a surge in sales.Electric vehicles

The Council's online booklet - Electric Vehicles in East Dunbartonshire - gives current and prospective owners an opportunity to plug into information and links.

Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders suggest more and more people are making the switch.

In terms of new UK car registrations in 2020, the number of Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) increased 185.9% to 108,205 units - compared to 2019 - a market share of 6.6% (up from 1.6%).

Registrations of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) in 2020 rose 91.2% to 66,877 compared to 2019 (a new market share of 4.1%).

In addition, 110,117 Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) were registered in 2020 - a 12.1% rise on 2019 - accounting for a market share of 6.8%.

On average, the number of registered Ultra-Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs) in East Dunbartonshire has grown every quarter since 2011. If growth continues, it is estimated there will be over 3,000 ULEVs registered in East Dunbartonshire by 2025.

A booklet is available to download from the Electric Vehicles page - which aims to empower people with a range of information.

For example, electric vehicles offer environmental benefits - compared to petrol and diesel vehicles - and economic gains too, as they are cheaper to run and financial support is available to help you make the switch.

The guide also includes information on local public charging locations and potential new sites - aimed at attracting new users and increasing capacity across Scotland.

Potential new charging locations include town centres, rail stations, areas of employment and leisure centres - maximising availability and convenience (for example, allowing people to charge while going to the gym/shops).

The Council is already delivering a Rapid Charging Hub at Mugdock Road Car Park in Milngavie, which will see an additional six charging spaces being created in the coming months. 

Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of the Council, said, "Interest continues to grow in electric vehicles, with new registrations on the increase. You can access a wealth of information on the potential benefits, current charging points, financial support and more by visiting our Electric Vehicles page - and downloading the handy booklet."

Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of the Council, added, "The Council's fleet includes a number of electric vehicles, which are beneficial for the environment and more efficient. I would encourage local residents to find out more, with grants and loans available to help people make the switch."

The booklet fulfils an action within the Local Transport Strategy 2020-2025 - approved by the Council's Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee in March 2020 - which provides a route forward on transport planning objectives, as well as actions and interventions to enhance travel across East Dunbartonshire.

The Council's efforts to promote sustainable transport complement the Climate Conversation, being held between 8 March and 2 May 2021 - visit the Climate Action Paln (CAP) web page (from 8 March) - to inform the authority's first Climate Action Plan.

It also aligns with the new Active Travel Strategy and an action within the Local Transport Strategy, with consultation being held on active travel later this year.

Visit the Local Transport Strategy page for more information on the Local Transport Strategy and the Electric Vehicles page for the booklet.

Follow us on Twitter @EDCouncil or like us on Facebook