Funding sparks investment in electric cars

A HOST of new electric cars are set to be added to public sector agencies’ fleets across Edinburgh as funding is secured from the Scottish Government to promote sustainable travel.

The Edinburgh Partnership has been allocated £207,000 to encourage the use of green transport amongst its community planning partners.

The funds, made available through Transport Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s Electric Vehicle Procurement Support Scheme, will allow community planning partners to fund the price difference between traditionally-powered vehicles and their electric equivalents.

As well as the six new electric cars ordered by the city council, four are to be purchased by Lothian and Borders Police and NHS Lothian. The new electric vehicles will be on the road by spring 2012.

Three charging points will be installed at council offices, whilst Edinburgh Napier University is set to add three.

City leader Jenny Dawe, chair of The Edinburgh Partnership, said: “Protecting and improving the environment is extremely important and anything which encourages sustainable transport is welcome.”