Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC has installed electric vehicle charging facilities at its Caledonian Stadium in Inverness as part of its green strategy and wide-ranging customer service offering. Charging an electric vehicle at the site will be free to all users for the next 12 months.
ICTFC received funding from Transport Scotland, through a programme managed by the Energy Saving Trust. Private organisations can apply for grant support to install a charging point for their workplace through Transport Scotland’s ChargePlace Scotland project. Home-owners who own or use an electric or plug-in car can also apply for grant support towards the installation of a home charging unit.
Scot Gardiner, CEO, ICTFC said: “As we look to transform the club both on and off the field of play, we are proud to lead the way with the addition of the electric vehicle charging points at Caledonian Stadium.”
“The Electric A9 and NC 500 initiatives have both a significant, positive impact on the Highlands and we are more than happy to join in and play our part. We especially thank Transport Scotland and the Energy Saving Trust for providing finance and inspiration for us to deliver these impressive facilities to ICTFC.”
Ellie Grebenik, Senior Programme Manager – Scottish Transport at the Energy Saving Trust said “The sales of plug-in vehicles have been increasing every year and we foresee that this trend will continue due to the substantial fuel cost savings that can be achieved.”
“Facilities like these will help strengthen the national network of charging points and are crucial in supporting the growing number of EV drivers in Scotland as part of the Scottish Government’s aim to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032.”
Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Michael Matheson said: “The new charge points at Caledonian Stadium are another welcome addition to the ChargePlace Scotland network, which now benefits from over 1000 publicly available charge points across the country.
“The new sites are strategically located as part of our Electric A9 initiative which is a key component of our broader ambition to phase out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032.
“The Scottish Government will continue to support local authorities and organisations develop charging infrastructure through a range of funding programmes and grants delivered in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust.
For more information on the funding or to find out more about electric vehicles, visit http://www.energysavingtrust.org.uk/scotland/domestic/improving-my-travel