Parts of Scotland are facing the risk of being left behind in the electric car revolution, experts have warned. A study conducted by the climate solutions charity One Home has revealed significant disparities in the ownership of pure electric vehicles (EVs) across the UK, with concerns rising about the emergence of “EV deserts” in Scotland. The research, which analysed DVLA data on UK postcodes, identified eight of the top 20 EV deserts in Scotland.
Out of the 1.12 million registered pure electric cars in the UK, only 66,912 (6 per cent) are registered to Scottish postcode areas. The Hebrides and Lerwick, Shetland, were highlighted as the areas with the lowest number of electric cars, with just 133 and 168 vehicles respectively. Other areas such as Llandrindod Wells in Wales and Kirkwall in Orkney also featured in the list of EV deserts. Despite lower population density being a factor in some regions like the Highlands and Islands, the data also revealed cities like Perth, Inverness, and Paisley witnessing low EV ownership numbers.
Glasgow stands out as the only Scottish postcode in the top 20 list of UK areas with the highest number of electric cars, boasting over 20,000 registered vehicles. One Home has called on the UK Government to reconsider plans to introduce road tax on EVs next year in a bid to prevent the widening gap in EV ownership. CEO Angela Terry emphasised that while the popularity of electric cars is on the rise and offers cost-effective benefits, the disparity in ownership levels between Scotland and the rest of the UK is concerning.
Terry highlighted the importance of enabling all communities to make the transition towards cleaner transportation options to combat air pollution and reduce carbon footprints. She urged the Chancellor to either scrap or delay the imposition of road tax on electric vehicles in 2025, stressing that removing incentives for EV purchases would hinder progress in reducing carbon emissions.
One Home, a UK charity dedicated to promoting low-cost, low-carbon lifestyles, provides impartial information and advice on sustainable solutions. The organisation aims to empower households to adopt practices that improve their quality of life, save money, and reduce carbon emissions. The call for greater support for EV adoption in Scotland comes amid efforts to accelerate the shift away from traditional petrol and diesel vehicles towards more environmentally friendly alternatives.