Community transport operators in Scotland can now apply for funding to invest in zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure.

The latest round of the Plugged-in Communities Fund pledges £4m for the purchase or lease of electric vehicles, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and the associated charging infrastructure.

First launched in 2021, the Plugged-in Communities Fund has delivered over £4.2m in grants to 49 community transport organisations to procure 64 new, zero-emission vehicles to replace their current diesel vehicles.

Grant recipients of the fund have saved around 8,000 tonnes of CO2 by switching their vehicles to electric.

Minister for Connectivity Jim Fairlie said: “We’re making £4m available for zero-emission vehicles and charging infrastructure for operators which provide affordable transport for those who are unable to use conventional public transport, or where public transport is not available.

“Supporting these vital services to decarbonise ensures a just transition and that communities are not left behind as we journey towards net zero.”