Scotland sets 2030 petrol and diesel phase-out and 2040 zero-emission vehicle target in draft Climate Change Plan
By Eve
The Scottish Government published its draft Climate Change Plan on 6 November 2025, beginning 120 days of parliamentary scrutiny. The plan covers 2026 to 2040 across three five-year carbon budgets and sets two key transport outcomes: phasing out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030, and achieving zero-emission road vehicles by 2040. The approach to cutting transport greenhouse gas emissions focuses on electric vehicle uptake and reducing the need to travel, with no predicted emissions reductions from aviation or shipping over the period.
Why it matters
The 2030 phase-out deadline and 2040 zero-emission target will drive demand for public and workplace charging infrastructure across Scotland, shaping procurement priorities and site deployment timelines for charge point operators over the next 15 years.
Source
- Source
- https://spice-spotlight.scot/2026/01/16/climate-change-plan-transport-forever-in-electric-dreams/
- Original title
- “Electric vehicle aspects of Scotland's draft Climate Change Plan.”
- Published
- 16 January 2026
- Updated
- 18 July 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Policy & Market
- Places
- United Kingdom · Scotland
Related news
UK cuts home charging VAT to 0% but leaves public charging at 20%, widening driveway divide
From 1 October, domestic electricity VAT in the UK dropped to 0%, cutting home EV charging costs by an estimated £40 per year for drivers with off street parking. Public charging remains subject to 20% VAT, prompting char.gy CEO John Lewis to call the disparity unfair and urge Labour to reduce public charging costs. The policy change, linked to Andy Burnham's initiatives, has been criticised for widening the so called driveway divide between EV owners with and without private parking.
Why it matters
The VAT gap between home and public charging may slow uptake among drivers reliant on public infrastructure, pressuring charge point operators to absorb cost differences or risk losing customers. Policymakers and CPOs face renewed calls to level the playing field, which could influence future subsidy design and site economics for on street and destination charging.
UK allows pavement cable gullies for home EV charging from 21 October but excludes conservation areas
From 21 October, homeowners and renters in England can install cross pavement cable solutions, such as gullies, to connect home chargers to cars parked on street without traditional planning permission, enabling them to access 0% VAT domestic electricity rates instead of the 20% rate on public chargers. The Prime Minister has cut domestic electricity VAT from 5% to 0%, saving driveway owners up to £40 per year. However, residents in around 10,000 conservation areas, affecting as many as 3.5 million people, will still require full planning permission and cannot use the simplified process.
Why it matters
The pavement gully rule removes a major barrier for home charging installations in streets without driveways, potentially expanding the addressable market for residential charge point operators. The conservation area exclusion leaves a significant segment of urban residents dependent on costlier public charging infrastructure, sustaining demand for on street and destination charging networks.
Renault and EDF partner to cut EV costs in France through smart charging and bidirectional tech
Renault Group and EDF Group have formed a partnership to make electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for French consumers. The collaboration will focus on smart charging solutions and bidirectional technology, with the companies claiming potential savings equivalent to up to 10,000 km of driving annually for EV owners.
Why it matters
This OEM and utility partnership signals growing integration between vehicle manufacturers and energy providers to address EV affordability barriers. The emphasis on bidirectional charging infrastructure could accelerate V2G deployment opportunities for charge point operators and grid service providers in France.