A demand for greater inclusivity in the provision of electric vehicle (EV) charging points echoes throughout Glasgow, with a councillor from Shettleston leading the call to ensure fair access to this essential infrastructure.
Highlighting the necessity for wider coverage, a representative emphasises concerns that specific areas, like Shettleston, risk exclusion in the ongoing expansion of charging facilities within the city. As of January this year, Glasgow boasts 335 operational charge points spread across 175 units for public use, encompassing both off-street hubs and 16 rapid charging units capable of replenishing most vehicles to 80% capacity in just 30 minutes.
During a recent meeting of the city administration committee, a representative raised pertinent questions about the accessibility and inclusivity of Glasgow’s EV charging infrastructure. They emphasised the disparity in availability across different parts of the city, advocating for a robust mechanism to ensure equality as the rollout progresses.
Expressing concerns, the representative articulated, “I seek clarity on how the city region plans to guarantee that the electrical vehicle charging infrastructure will be inclusive and accessible to all members. As someone with an electric car, I find it more challenging to locate chargers in certain parts of the city. There appears to be an imbalance across the city, so what measures will be put in place to ensure equality as this infrastructure expands? Particularly in the Shettleston ward, there are few electric vehicle chargers, and I seek clarification on this matter.”
Responding to these concerns, a city official confirmed that the issue had been discussed previously. They referenced deliberations held in November, where the committee reviewed the strategy as an action plan at the Glasgow City Region level. This plan included an analysis of demand across the region and outlined measures to address the distribution of EV charging infrastructure.
“In November, the committee considered the strategy as an action plan at the Glasgow City Region level, which has undertaken an analysis of where the demand for EV charging infrastructure is required across the region. This exercise has already been conducted, and it formed part of the report reviewed by the committee in November. There is a wealth of information available on how this rollout is progressing,” stated the official.
The dialogue underscores the importance of ensuring that the expansion of EV charging infrastructure aligns with principles of inclusivity and accessibility. As Glasgow continues to navigate its transition towards sustainable transportation, addressing disparities in charging point distribution emerges as a critical priority. Encouragingly, the commitment from city officials to address these concerns signals a proactive approach towards fostering an environment conducive to widespread EV adoption.
Efforts to promote equity in EV infrastructure deployment serve not only to enhance accessibility but also to bolster the city’s resilience against climate change. As Glasgow strives to position itself as a leader in sustainable urban development, the equitable distribution of EV charging points stands as a testament to its commitment to building a greener, more inclusive future.
