MORE than 60 new charging points for electric vehicles are to be provided in Glasgow over the next six months.

Glasgow City Council has started work on an electric vehicle strategy and was recently awarded £625,000 from Transport Scotland to further develop the charging network.

There are currently 101 public charge points at 36 locations throughout the city. This is to increase to around 165 by the end of March

During the last 12 months (November 2017 to October 2018), nearly 33,000 charging sessions were initiated by more than 2,530 distinct users in Glasgow.  This was a 15 per cent increase in the number of users compared with the previous 12 months (up from 2,200).

A report updating councillors states: “This trend is set to continue and, if local trends follow national projections, this figure will rise to approximately 25,000 users over the next five years.”

The charging sessions over the 12 months consumed more than 281,000 kilowatts of electricity, enough for nearly one million miles of emission-free travel.

Vehicle charging points in Wilson Street in Glasgow City Centre

The report continues: “Being seen as an electric vehicle-friendly destination will have economic benefits for the city.

“User expectations are gaining momentum across Scotland –- particularly in terms of the availability and accessibility of a public charging network that can ensure adequate range for electric vehicles within cities and across the nation.

“Work is being undertaken to establish a council strategy on electric vehicles in order to refresh the city’s approach to this important area and ensure that it is suited to rising future demand.

“Consultation has been conducted with council officers and with elected members. The next step in this process is a programme of public engagement, which is in the process of being developed.

“The new strategy will address issues such as access to charge points for the various user types, terms of use and enforcement, incentives for network users and a statement of commitment from the council.”

The Scottish Government intends to phase out all petrol and diesel vehicles by 2032.