Cairngorms Electric Vehicle Project

Location: Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

The aim of this project is to provide a Park-based Electric Vehicle (EV) for use in and around the Bedenhoch and Strathspey area (Cairngorms National Park). Please contact the TICOS for more information about contributing to this project, quoting its reference number 'TIG011' in all correspondence.

Project Status Table for TICOS Project TIG011
Date verified by TICOS: December 2008
Estimated project cost:
 £18,000 is being sought from TICOS. Total project cost is £75,000.
Project timescale:
Two and a half years from receipt of funding.
Additional sustainable development benefits:
  • As the EV runs at around 1p/km compared to over 11p/km for petrol/diesel, the provision of the EV will benefit the community, who through fuel poverty, do not have use of a standard car.
  • The EV will be widely marketed and demonstrated at Highland Games and Shows in 2009 and 2010, which attract large numbers of visitors from within and without the Park, thus creating awareness of such carbon-saving initiatives.
  • It is hoped that the EV itself will attract new visitors to the area who are keen to explore the National Park in a more sustainable manner.
  • Receipts from any hire of the vehicle to visitors will also contribute to offsetting emissions from other community use of standard fuel vehicles.

Project Details

The aim of this project is to provide a Park-based Electric Vehicle (EV) for use in and around the Bedenhoch and Strathspey area (Cairngorms National Park). The project involves the conversion of a ‘standard’ car to electrical power and the provision of recharge points around the area.  The Electric Vehicle is quieter and creates much lower CO2 emissions than a standard vehicle, thus making for minimal disturbance and pollution in the National Park.

The EV is administered by the Badenoch & Strathspey Community Transport Company (B&SCTC).  This company already administers 70 volunteer drivers who use their own cars to give lifts to community members and visitors to the area.  B&SCTC will lend the EV out to its volunteers, and also make it available to other local groups and visitors to try out on a pre-booked basis.