MSPs open inquiry into Scotland’s electric vehicle infrastructure

MSPs have opened an inquiry into Scotland’s electric vehicle infrastructure ahead of plans to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2032.

The Economy, Energy and Fair Work Committee will hold a three part inquiry into future demand for renewables, with a focus on the Scottish Government’s attempts to increase the use of electric vehicles and boost locally owned energy generation.

The inquiry comes after a report from the Royal Society of Edinburgh (RSE) called for an independent, expert advisory commission, established under statute, on energy policy and governance.

The report found Scotland requires a clearly articulated position on security of supply and that ministers should make a decision on whether domestic energy-generating capacity should be increased.

The RSE said Scotland should look to improve its energy security by increasing capacity, and diversifying its range of storage options.

The Programme for Government (PfG) contained targets to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2032, eight years ahead of the UK Government’s 2040 target, while the Scottish Government has also outlined plans to provide £17m to support demand for ultra low emission vehicles through the Low Carbon Transport Loan scheme.

The PfG also contained plans to phase out the need for all petrol and diesel cars from the public sector fleet by 2025.

Committee convener Gordon Lindhurst said: “While the areas the Committee are looking at are distinct in their own nature, they are all very much linked to one another in relation to decarbonising the Scottish economy.

“The Scottish Government made key pledges in their Programme for Government on the increased use of electric vehicles, including the phasing out of petrol and diesel cars by 2032. It is important to see, in practical terms, how this will be achieved and what major changes in infrastructure are needed.”

“I look forward to seeing the views from across Scotland about how best we as a nation can decarbonise the energy sector and produce a greener future.”