Atmosphere is electric as Ullapool welcomes chance to check out new breed of vehicles

PEOPLE living in a Wester Ross community showed their interest in being part of the coming "electric vehicle revolution" by checking out four- and two-wheeled modes of transport at a special come and try day.

The Let's Go Electric event was put together by Ullapool Community Trust in partnership with Home Energy Scotland and saw the offer of test drives in a Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona booked solid for the four-hour duration of the session.

Test rides on electric bikes were also be available, with bikes being supplied by Square Wheel Cycles of Strathpeffer. The event at the Macphail Centre also allowed visitors to find out more about charging points, pricing and government grants.

Ullapool Community Trust director Amanda Barry-Hirst said: "It was a great success. Both cars were fully booked for test drives. Local residents were very enthusiastic with several test driving both cars. The e-bikes were very popular too, with many rides throughout the day."

She added: "There’s no doubt that the electric vehicle revolution is coming, and we are keen to be part of it. While charging points remain a challenge, particularly in our less populated area, if there’s enough demand then supply will surely follow. This event is just one of many activities our community is involved in that will move us towards embracing a more sustainable future”.

Last year, six Scottish regions were ranked amongst the top 20 in the UK for used electric hybrid sales. This trend towards electric north of the border is reflected in the Scottish Government’s pledge to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2032 – eight years ahead of the UK Government.

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