If plans for a new development are given the green light, Edinburgh could become home to Europe’s largest electric vehicle (EV) charging hub. This is part of the 18-acre Edinburgh Green scheme, which aims to focus on well-being and sustainability, and will also feature a new public park and eco-friendly workplace development.
The new electric vehicle charging hub, which would be set within the existing grounds of Drummond House and the Younger building in the Edinburgh Park business district, could offer up to nearly 800 electric car charge points.
During the first phase of the construction, an initial 170 electric vehicle charge points will be fitted. This will rise by a further 595 chargers being enabled for future use. The charge points will form part of a wider city transport hub that will also offer access to car club vehicles, public transport and cycle parking.
This would make Edinburgh Green scheme the largest electric vehicle charging hub in Europe, after Energy Superhub Oxford which opened earlier this year. This currently provides fast and ultra-rapid charging for 42 vehicles and has the capacity to charge 400, supporting the estimated 36 million electric vehicles expected on UK roads by 2040.
Brian Rabinowit, Shelborn Asset Management director of developer, said: “This is one of the most ambitious office developments to be launched in Edinburgh for decades and our plans for Europe’s largest electric vehicle charging hub is key to meeting our ambitious 2030 net zero target.
“Sustainability will be at the heart of this development, which promises to be a game-changer by transforming the common perception of what an office workspace should look like.”
According to the developers, the Edinburgh Green scheme represents a significant investment in west Edinburgh and will deliver widespread benefits for the city’s economy. Analysis by BiGGAR Economics, the scheme could generate about £370 million and create up to 5,300 jobs in the city.
The plans have already been submitted to Edinburgh City Council. Once approved, work could start on the site as early as next summer, with the project scheduled to open in 2026.
