EZO begins rollout of new EV charging network across the north of Scotland
EZO has launched the first phase of its landmark partnership to deliver EV charging across the north and north-east of Scotland. Work has started to migrate 177 existing chargers from the ChargePlace Scotland network to the EZO platform in the Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Highland and Moray council areas.
This marks the start of a 20-year contract which will see 570 new charging points installed across the region by 2028 – more than doubling the existing EV infrastructure.
It is a major expansion into the UK market for EZO, the company behind Ireland’s largest privately owned EV charging network.
Drivers using ChargePlace Scotland chargers in the four council areas now need to download the EZO app to access the network. The app is free, easy to use and displays real-time charger availability with simple payment options and access to a wide network of roaming partners – and is already trusted by more than 110,000 drivers.
EZO chief executive Ollie Chatten said: “This is an exciting milestone for EZO as we bring our expertise to Scotland and begin delivering on this transformative contract. We’re making the migration as seamless as possible for drivers, while building a smarter, more connected charging network to support Scotland’s Net Zero ambitions.”
The north and north-east of Scotland partnership with EZO is the first inter-council contract to have been awarded as part of the Scottish Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. It represents the largest grant award to date through the fund. The rapid expansion of new charging points will accelerate the north of Scotland’s transition to Net Zero across the four council areas.
As part of the large-scale project, EZO will ultimately adopt and maintain all 425 existing council-owned public charging points in the region.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said: “I’m delighted to see migration moving at pace for this groundbreaking initiative which will address the critical need for expanded and improved EV charging infrastructure in the north of Scotland. We look forward to working closely with EZO and our neighbouring local authorities as the migration continues and we move closer to achieving a comprehensive, reliable and accessible charging network for our communities.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader, Councillor Ian Yuill, said: “The new electric vehicles charging system covering the north–east and north of Scotland will make a real difference for people with electric vehicles. It will also contribute towards Aberdeen City Council’s target of achieving Net Zero.”
Aberdeen City Council Co-Leader, Councillor Christian Allard, said: “It is good to see the migration happening at pace and we look forward to the next stage of the project. This north and north-east of Scotland partnership is part of the Scottish Government’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund, and therefore it makes sense for Local Authorities to work together benefiting with an economy of scale, and to have the same app across the four Councils.”
Councillor Anne Stirling, Co-Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, said: “The transition of our electric vehicle charging network to EZO marks a major step forward for communities across the north of Scotland. Reliable, accessible charging is essential – especially in areas which have been underserved – and this move will give drivers a more consistent, trustworthy service they can depend on. By 2028, our partnership with EZO will deliver several hundred new charging points across the north of Scotland to ensure fairer access for motorists in both rural and urban areas. I hope this collaborative approach will not only accelerate the shift to electric vehicles but also support our ambitions for Net Zero and a more equitable, future-ready transport network.”
Co-Leader Councillor Stewart Adams added: “Migration of Aberdeenshire’s existing public charging units began on January 12th and will take place in three phases following the transitions in Aberdeen City and the Highlands. New charging infrastructure will start rolling out in 2026, with details on locations, charger types and installation plans to follow. Alongside expanding provision in towns that already have charge points, we’re delighted that smaller settlements across Aberdeenshire will also benefit from brand-new facilities.”
Moray Council Leader, Councillor Kathleen Robertson, said: “This partnership marks a significant step forward for Moray in supporting Scotland’s Net Zero ambitions. Expanding and improving EV charging infrastructure is vital for our communities, businesses, and visitors, and we’re proud to play our part in delivering a reliable, future-proof network.Working collaboratively with EZO and our neighbouring councils ensures that Moray residents will benefit from a smarter, more connected transport system for years to come.”
Transport Scotland has committed more than £7m of funding to enable the partnership between the councils as part of the Scottish Government’s £30m Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Fund. The fund was launched in 2022 and enables local authorities to work with the private sector to deliver a high-quality public EV charging network across all of Scotland.
