Environmentally conscious drivers have even more opportunity to go greener thanks to an electric vehicle funding boost from the Scottish Government.

Around £7.8 million is being made available, interest-free, through the Low Carbon Transport Loan Fund, to help businesses and consumers reduce their transport emissions. Individuals can apply for to £35,000, while businesses can access up to £100,000.

Open for applications now via the Energy Saving Trust, the loan can be repaid over a period of up to six years.

Earlier this week, Minister for Transport and the Islands Humza Yousaf, visited East Coast Organics, a Pentcaitland farm using electric vehicles for their delivery services, to see how the loans can benefit business.

The Minister said:

“The Scottish Government has set a clear vision of freeing Scotland’s towns, cities and communities from the damaging emissions of fossil-fuelled vehicles by 2050.

Our aim is to help support the move to low carbon road transport by getting more electric vehicles on the road, and, where there are not currently electric alternatives, make the existing fleet more efficient.

This £7.8 million investment in interest free loans presents a significant increase on previous years funding and presents a fantastic opportunity for those who have been seriously considering purchasing an electric vehicle.

Making the switch to electric, enables businesses and individuals to make a direct contribution to local air quality, whilst also improving the health and wellbeing of our communities.”