For more than a decade, ChargePlace Scotland (CPS) has played a pivotal role in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles across Scotland. By creating one of the UK's largest public charging networks, it helped businesses, local authorities and communities provide accessible charging infrastructure at a time when EV ownership was still in its early stages.

Now, that network is entering its next chapter.

Throughout 2025 and 2026, charge point owners across Scotland are transitioning away from the ChargePlace Scotland platform and appointing new charge point operators (CPOs) to manage their infrastructure. While this marks the end of one era, it also signals the beginning of a more competitive, innovative and commercially driven EV charging market.

If your organisation currently operates ChargePlace Scotland chargers—or you're simply trying to understand what these changes mean—here's everything you need to know.

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Why is ChargePlace Scotland changing?

ChargePlace Scotland itself isn't disappearing overnight, and Scotland's public chargers aren't being switched off.

Instead, the national back-office contract is coming to an end, with charge point owners gradually moving their charging infrastructure to new operators. The transition is expected to continue throughout 2025 and 2026, with the aim of completing all migrations by the end of December 2026.

This shift reflects the natural evolution of Scotland's EV charging landscape.

As electric vehicle adoption continues to grow, the industry requires greater private investment, more sophisticated software, enhanced customer support and ongoing innovation to meet increasing demand. By allowing businesses and local authorities to choose the operator that best suits their needs, Scotland is creating a more flexible and competitive market that will support the next generation of EV charging.

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What does this mean for businesses?

For businesses that currently operate ChargePlace Scotland chargers, the transition provides an opportunity to review how their charging infrastructure is managed.

Rather than relying on a single national platform, organisations can now select an operator that best aligns with their commercial goals, customer expectations and future growth plans.

Modern charge point operators can offer far more than simply keeping chargers online. Today's solutions often include:

• 24/7 customer support
• Advanced charge point management software
• Contactless and mobile payment options
• Remote monitoring and proactive maintenance
• Detailed usage and revenue reporting
• Roaming compatibility across multiple charging networks
• Flexible ownership and funding models
• Ongoing software updates and performance optimisation

Choosing the right operator is no longer just a technical decision—it's a business decision that can directly impact customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and long-term return on investment.

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More choice is good, but choosing the right partner matters

One of the biggest benefits of the ChargePlace Scotland transition is increased competition.

Competition encourages innovation, improved customer service and greater investment across the industry, ultimately benefiting both businesses and EV drivers.

However, not all charge point operators deliver the same level of service.

When reviewing potential providers, it's important to look beyond the hardware itself. The ongoing operation of your charging infrastructure will often determine the overall experience for both your business and your customers.

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Questions to ask before choosing a new charge point operator

1. How reliable is your charging network?
Consistently available chargers build trust with drivers and maximise revenue opportunities for your business.

2. What level of customer support do you provide?
Responsive, UK-based support ensures driver issues are resolved quickly and helps protect your brand reputation.

3. What payment options are available to drivers?
Drivers increasingly expect contactless payment, mobile apps and roaming compatibility across networks.

4. What software and reporting capabilities do you offer?
Good management software provides visibility over usage, revenue and charger performance, helping you make informed decisions.

5. How do you handle maintenance and monitoring?
Proactive maintenance and remote monitoring minimise downtime and keep chargers operating efficiently.

6. Can your solution scale as demand grows?
Your operator should be able to support additional chargers and increased usage as EV adoption continues to rise.

7. Do you have experience in my sector?
An operator with relevant industry experience will better understand your customers' charging behaviours and expectations.

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Taking time to evaluate these areas now can help ensure your charging infrastructure continues delivering value for years to come.

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What does the transition mean for EV drivers?

As charge points move to different operators, drivers may notice some changes.

Different locations may introduce new apps, pricing structures or branding, while customer support details could vary depending on who operates each site.

The positive news is that interoperability across the industry continues to improve.

Many commercial charge point operators—including Connekt—support roaming platforms, allowing drivers to access multiple charging networks using familiar apps or payment services. Contactless payment is also becoming increasingly common, making charging simpler for occasional users and visitors.

While the network may become more diverse, the overall driver experience is expected to continue improving as operators invest in better technology, enhanced software and higher service standards.

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The opportunity for Scottish businesses

For many organisations, EV charging has evolved from a sustainability initiative into an important customer service and commercial asset.

Hotels are attracting overnight guests with charging facilities.

Leisure destinations are encouraging visitors to stay longer.

Workplaces are supporting employees while preparing for the continued growth of electric vehicles.

Retail destinations are generating additional footfall from charging drivers.

With the flexibility to choose their preferred operator, businesses now have the opportunity to select a partner that supports both today's requirements and tomorrow's ambitions.

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Why businesses are choosing commercial charge point operators

Across Scotland, businesses are increasingly choosing commercial operators that can provide an end-to-end service rather than simply managing charging sessions.

At Connekt EV Charging, we've worked with organisations ranging from independent hotels and rural tourism businesses to national hotel groups, football stadiums, workplaces and leisure destinations.

Our approach goes beyond installation.

We help businesses design the right charging solution, provide flexible funding options, manage ongoing maintenance, deliver 24/7 UK-based customer support and continually optimise charger performance through our intelligent software platform.

Whether your goal is to generate additional revenue, improve customer experience, support employees or prepare for future EV demand, choosing the right operating partner can make all the difference.

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Looking ahead

The ChargePlace Scotland transition represents one of the biggest developments in Scotland's EV charging industry since the network was first established.

While change inevitably brings questions, it also creates exciting opportunities.

Greater competition is driving innovation, encouraging investment and giving businesses more control over how their charging infrastructure is managed.

For organisations reviewing their existing chargers, now is the ideal time to consider not just who operates your infrastructure—but how that partnership can help your business grow over the years ahead.

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Speak to Connekt

If your organisation is preparing to transition away from ChargePlace Scotland - or you're exploring EV charging for the first time - our team is here to help.

From site surveys and funding advice to installation, software, maintenance and 24/7 UK customer support, we provide a complete end-to-end solution tailored to your business.

Get in touch with Connekt EV Charging today to discuss your options and future-proof your EV charging infrastructure.

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