Charging Ahead for the Future of Electric Vehicles

Dundee City Council is charging ahead with its commitment to sustainable transport with a major agreement that strengthens the city’s position as a leader in electric vehicle (EV) innovation.

Following a competitive open tendering process, Dundee City Council has awarded a 20-year contract to Evolt Charging, part of SWARCO Smart Charging, to manage, operate and expand Dundee’s EV charging network.  

This makes Dundee one of the first local authorities in Scotland to secure a long-term partnership with a private charge point operator following the conclusion of the national contract with ChargePlace Scotland, which is set to end this year.

The new contract builds on a successful 15-year collaboration between Dundee City Council and Evolt Charging, which has delivered pioneering charging hubs at Lochee, Queen Street, Princes Street and Clepington Road. These sites feature cutting-edge technologies like photovoltaic systems, second-life battery storage and a rainwater harvesting system.

Under the agreement, Evolt will take over the responsibility for more than 190 chargers across the city, including the existing depot infrastructure, rapid charging hubs and facilities within three multi-storey car parks - Greenmarket, Olympia and Gellatly Street. Plans also include a new rapid charging hub in the north of the city and expanded infrastructure at council depots to support the fleet electrification strategy.                       

Councillor Siobhan Tolland, depute convener of City Growth and Infrastructure at Dundee City Council, said: "This new agreement will help to ensure the continued growth and reliability of Dundee’s EV charging infrastructure. We have accomplished a great deal already, but we are not complacent.  The council will continue work on actions set out in our Net Zero Transition Plan to become a more sustainable city and support the growth of quality green jobs. It is vital that we do so in a way that delivers economic and environmental value for our residents, and this partnership helps us do exactly that."

Managing Director at Evolt, Justin Meyer, said: "Dundee has long been recognised as one of the UK’s most forward-thinking cities in the transition to electric mobility, and our partnership reflects that leadership.

“Our relationship with Dundee City Council is built on trust, shared ambition and a long-term commitment to delivering a world-class charging experience for drivers. That’s why we chose Dundee as the home of our Scottish operations, now over 50 people strong, and why we’re proud to support the city as it migrates to the Evolt network. With this new 20-year agreement, we look forward to working side-by-side to deliver a resilient, reliable and future-proof charging estate for the people of Dundee."