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.