Believ supports Ayrshire to drive EV uptake in Scotland with more than 600 new charging sockets

The 15-year agreement will be delivered alongside Transport Scotland and the Scottish Futures Trust. The project will combine over £2.8 million of funding from Scottish Government’s EV Infrastructure Fund with more than £15 million in committed capital investment from Believ, with the CPO managing all charge point operation and ongoing maintenance.

The rollout will provide a mix of charging speeds, from standard plus* to rapid, providing practical charging options for drivers requiring long-stay or overnight charging, as well as faster top ups.

Urban, rural and island communities will be included in the rollout, extending access to EV charging across the region, including the Isle of Arran. Through the partnership between Believ and the Ayrshire councils, East Ayrshire will receive around 180 additional chargers, North Ayrshire around 210, with South Ayrshire receiving around 220. This is alongside the rollout of passive provision to enable the installation of over 450 new chargers without disruption when usage increases.

Believ will also take over management of existing chargers, helping to build on the foundations already delivered through the ChargePlace Scotland network. Drivers will be informed on the migration process via appropriate channels, including social media and council websites.

At least five accessible charging locations in each council area will be included in the rollout, to help ensure public charging is accessible for drivers with a range of mobility needs.

Stephen Flynn, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport, said: “I’m delighted that £2.8 million from the Scottish Government will support 600 new EV chargers in Ayrshire.

 “Our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund is enabling local authorities to partner with each other and with the private sector to attract private investment and help drivers in Ayrshire continue to make the switch to EVs.”

Guy Bartlett, Believ CEO, says Ayrshire is an important region for Believ’s first Scottish public sector partnership: “We’re proud to be supporting the region in expanding access to reliable and accessible EV charging across the region.

“This partnership builds on the foundations already delivered through the ChargePlace Scotland network and will help support the transition to electric vehicles across Ayrshire’s urban, rural and island communities. Believ’s investment and experience across all charging speeds will help ensure the right infrastructure is delivered in the right locations for residents and visitors.”

Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of East Ayrshire Council, said: “This is an important step that all three councils are taking in a bid to be net-zero by 2030, and the transition from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles will play a huge role in helping us achieving this.

“By working collaboratively, we have secured substantial investment that will benefit communities, support economic growth, and help reduce carbon emissions across the region. We now look forward to being able to deliver a modern, accessible and sustainable electric vehicle charging network for the whole of Ayrshire.”

Councillor Brian Connolly, Leader of South Ayrshire Council said: "This is a significant investment in South Ayrshire's transport infrastructure that will help us meet the growing demand for electric vehicle charging across our communities.

 “Through this partnership with Believ, Transport Scotland, Scottish Futures Trust and our council partners, we will greatly expand access to public charging facilities, making it easier and more convenient for residents, businesses and visitors to choose electric vehicles.”

Councillor Tony Gurney, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this initiative and look forward to seeing the impact it will have across Ayrshire.

“We want to make Ayrshire greener and to try and give everyone equal access to technology so that we can encourage as many people as possible to go electric.  The use of electric cars – a cheaper and more environmentally friendly way of travelling – is something we want to make accessible and affordable to support our net-zero ambitions. We look forward to seeing the scheme in operation and how it can make a real difference to people.”

Installation of the first new charge points is expected to begin in early 2027. Find out more, along with FAQs at https://www.ayrshireroadsalliance.org/Parking-Information/Electric-Vehicle-Charging-Points/electric-vehicle-charging-points.aspx 

To read more about Believ, visit: https://www.believ.com/about-us/

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*Previously termed fast, and re-categorised by the DfT. Read more here.