ChargePlace Scotland, Scotland’s national electric vehicle charging network, has signed with Zapmap as a payment partner.

Transport Scotland says it will transition towards a public charging network that is largely financed and delivered by the private sector

Zapmap app users can now use Zap-Pay, its in-app payment solution, to quickly and easily pay for charging across more than 2,800 charge points throughout Scotland, in addition to the tens of thousands of locations already integrated into the payment solution.

Developed by Transport Scotland and managed by Evolt Charging, formerly known as Swarco Smart Charging, ChargePlace Scotland encompasses charge points from Shetland to the Scottish Borders, with new charge points installed regularly.

Individual charge points within the network are owned by various entities, including local authorities, public bodies, charities and private businesses that have received grants to install them.

Transport Scotland also recently published its Draft Implementation Plan, currently under consultation, exploring actions to achieve the growth necessary in the public charging infrastructure in Scotland and deliver Scotland’s Vision for public EV charging.

ChargePlace Scotland also shares a live data partnership with Zapmap, enabling users of the Zapmap app and web map to see live status updates on its charge points at any time, as well as being able to search for charge points, plan longer journeys and share updates with other electric car drivers.

Zap-Pay uses a credit or debit card to pay for charging, and was launched with a mission to include all the key charge point networks across the UK. Other payment partners include Be.EV, EVC, PoGo, Osprey, ESB Energy, Char.gy, GeniePoint, Mer, MFG EV Power, Fastned, Alfa Power, Connected Kerb, Evyve, Charge My Street, Applegreen Electric, For EV and Monta.

The payment solution avoids the hassle of using different payment methods across the various charge point operators and users can also view their charging history, receive live status updates while away from their vehicle, and download receipts to help keep track of their spending. To facilitate easy payment, they can also use both Apple Pay and Google Pay on all Zap-Pay enabled devices across the UK.

Chris Waldron, Transport Scotland, said: “ChargePlace Scotland has played a significant role in the transition to zero emission vehicles over the last decade. A roaming partnership with Zapmap will help us to continue on that journey towards a transport system that is sustainable, inclusive and accessible.”

Matt Lloyd, head of CPO networks at Zapmap, added that the partnership was a great result for both current and future EV drivers.

“It’s impressive to see Scotland’s ongoing commitment to developing the public EV charging infrastructure and we’re delighted to play a part in the transition to sustainable transport,” she continued.