Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund for Scotland

The Scottish government is offering £325,000 from the Destination Net Zero programme to help fund electric vehicle charging points at tourism businesses across the country as part of its Covid-19 recovery plans.

What is the Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund?

The Electric Vehicle Charge Point Fund provides a one-off payment to tourism businesses in Scotland to help cover the cost to install an electric vehicle charging point.

The pandemic caused a monumental shift in the tourism industry and the government has said it has become more important than ever for businesses to demonstrate their sustainability credentials.

The funding will allow eligible tourism businesses to install an electric vehicle charging point to help them demonstrate a point of differentiation and their commitment to responsible tourism practices.

It will also help businesses cater for the increasing number of drivers now making the switch from petrol and diesel cars to electric vehicles.

The fund is administered by Energy Saving Trust (EST) on behalf of VisitScotland and the Scottish government.

The fund is part of the Destination Net Zero programme - a key part of the Scottish government’s Covid-19 Tourism Recovery Programme. It aims to support businesses and destinations build their own electric car charging infrastructure as part of their transition to a future of net zero emissions.

While 72% of Scotland residents use their own petrol or diesel car when taking breaks and holidays in Scotland, VisitScotland's own research shows, 43% are interested in changing to electric/hybrid “within the next few years”, with price and fears around sufficient public charging stations among the main obstacles.

Who is eligible for the Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund?

Small to medium-sized (SME) tourism businesses based in Scotland are eligible for the fund.

EST classes an SME business as one with under 250 employees.

The business has to have been trading for at least 12 months and needs to have an appropriate space where an EV charging point can be safely installed and used by visitors and staff.

The business also has to either own the land where the electric car charger is being installed or have written permission from the landowner.

To be eligible for funding, the business has to get a quote from an Energy Saving Trust-approved approved installer.

Non-tourism related businesses are not eligible for the grant and EST has specifically stated that other businesses like cinemas, shopping complexes, National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland properties are also not eligible.

Business benefits

Tourism businesses that have a charge point for electric cars installed could lead to visitors staying for longer. For example, as electric car users are charging their car, they may come into the business or stay longer and spend more money in your cafe as they wait.

Installing electric car charging points also boosts a company's sustainability credentials, it makes it easier for customers to switch to an electric car and future proofs the business as more drivers switch to electric vehicles.

What does the funding cover?

The funding covers 75% of the total cost of the charge point and installation (including applicable VAT), up to a maximum of £15,000.

There is limited funding available, and it will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

There is enough funding to cover around 100 electric car charging points (the total budget for the fund is £325,000)

What does the funding not cover?

The Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund can only be used for the infrastructure and installation of an electric car charging point.

It can't be used for:

• Extended warranty on electric car charging points

• Ongoing maintenance or maintenance packages for electric car charging points

• EV charging point parking bay marking and signage

• Monetisation costs

• EV charging point data packages

How Do I apply for the Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund?

Before a business can apply it needs to get a quote from at least one approved installer.

Those applying also need to complete the application form on the EST website and submit supporting documents, including a supplier quote. EST will then respond within 15 working days.

At this point EST will assess the application, and if successful, the team will confirm the grant offer in writing. That grant offer will be valid for six months.

Once the offer has come through the business can then arrange for the EV charge point to be installed by the approved installer. Businesses have to pay the installer's invoice upfront and provide a completion report to EST.

The report will be checked, and EST will confirm the invoice is to be paid. EST will then pay the grant as reimbursement.

What is needed in order to apply?

Businesses will need a few documents in addition to the application form in order to get funding awarded.

This includes:

• Most recent published accounts that have been audited/verified by an accountant or copy of filed tax return to verify that the business has been operating for a minimum of 12 months.

• A recent bank statement (one from the last three months). Redacted statements will be accepted provided bank account name, sort code and account number are clearly shown.

• If a leaseholder or tenant, written permission from the property owner regarding the installation of the EV charge point. This written permission should also include the remaining term left on the lease or the date of the lease expiration.

• A copy of the quotation from the approved installer.

• Valid annual insurance document to cover third party liability and/or employee liability insurance for the year ending in 2022/23 tax year.

How long does the application process take?

The EST says it will respond to applications within 15 working days.

When can I apply for the funding?

Applications for funding have been open since May 11, 2022.

When is the application deadline?

Business have until September 8, 2022. Although applications will close eariler if all of the £325,000 of the total funding for the grant is used up before that date.

Can I apply for other EV charge point funding programs on top of the Electric Vehicle Charge Point Tourism Recovery Fund?

Successful applicants can only receive funding towards an EV charge point from this fund and can't apply for additional funding for installation of the same EV charge point from other funds.