£500,000 is available for social housing providers and third sector organisations to allow tenants, local residents and staff access electric vehicles on demand through car share clubs. The scheme offers viable alternatives to car ownership and affordable access to modern ultra-low emission vehicles.

Earlier this year, eight social housing providers throughout Scotland were awarded grants from Glasgow to Orkney. The housing associations included:

• Wheatley Group
• Queens Cross Housing Association
• Osprey Housing
• Orkney Housing Association
• Ore Valley Housing Association
• Melville Housing Association
• Linstone Housing Association
• Grampian Housing Association

This year, the fund is also accepting applications from third sector organisations. It is hoped that the second round will enable more communities to take advantage of the funding on offer right across the country.

Delivered and administered through Energy Saving Trust, organisations have until August 23 to apply.

Cabinet secretary for transport, infrastructure and connectivity, Michael Matheson, said: “There has been a fantastic response from social housing providers to the Plugged-In Households Grant Fund, and so I’m delighted that we can respond by providing another half a million pounds to expand affordable access to electric vehicles.

“This is an inclusive, innovative and progressive initiative, which gives people affordable access to the latest electric vehicles and offers a real alternative to costly car ownership.

“Ultra-low emission vehicles bring profound advantages in responding to the climate emergency and improving air quality – however, the solution cannot simply be more cars with zero emissions. We need to change behaviours and challenge beliefs that car ownership remains a necessity.

“We are also providing funding to social housing providers for improved walking and cycling facilities so that people can make easier active travel choices. Providing funding for ultra-low emission car clubs, so people can access electric cars on demand, is yet another way we can bring about the revolution in sustainable transport that we hope to see across the country.”

Ellie Grebenik, senior programme manager at Energy Saving Trust, said: “Round two of Plugged-In Households grant funding will open up greater access to electric vehicles (EVs) across numerous Scottish housing association and third sector locations. The funding enables tenants, staff and the wider community to enjoy sustainable transport through local EV car clubs. The adoption of EVs is growing in pace, supported by Energy Saving Trust’s interest free loans and robust public charging infrastructure. The switch to ultra-low emission vehicles is essential to reduce emissions and improve air quality in line with Transport Scotland’s strategy.

“Application forms and further information are available on the Energy Saving Trust website, the deadline for submissions is 23 August.”