THE largest electric vehicle (EV) charging station in Scotland has officially opened in Falkirk.
The £1.4m facility at the Falkirk Stadium, which has capacity for 26 electric vehicles – 30% more than the second largest EV station in Scotland – was officially opened by Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity.
The new EV station will generate over 30% of the required electricity to power the facility from its own solar canopy made up by 1272 panels covering an area of over 2,000sqm, saving 75 tonnes of carbon per year. It also brings the number of EV charging bays in the Falkirk and Grangemouth area to 68, an increase of almost 70%.
Funding for the new project has come from Falkirk Council and the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund through Transport Scotland’s Low Carbon Travel and Transport Challenge Fund.
Mr Matheson said: “This hub entirely supports the Scottish Government’s bold ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032. These 26 charging bays, including fast and rapid chargers, are welcome additions to our public electric vehicle charging network – ChargePlace Scotland.
“I know that this facility is already greatly appreciated by people visiting and living in Falkirk who have made the switch to electric vehicles and are already experiencing the many benefits that they bring.”
