EV Roadshow sparks interest in Fort William

The latest in electric vehicle (EV) news and technology was on display at Fort William's Nevis Centre on Saturday August 26 as the inaugural EV Talk Live Roadshow came to town.

 

Attendees were able to test drive vehicles such as the Tesla Model 3, Kia EV6, Maxus T90 and Maxus E-Deliver3, while panel discussions allowed audiences to hear insights from industry experts.

 

Further information was supplied by a variety of stands, including representatives from leaders in the charging and battery sector.

 

Hosted by the Northern Ireland's South West College (SWC), in collaboration with Dr Euan McTurk (Plug Life Consulting) and Scottish Power, the roadshow was part of an effort to promote the FASTER Project, which seeks to support the transition to electric vehicles across Western Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland border region.

 

The project is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body and has received €6.4 million EU funding under the INTERREG VA programme, as well as £250,000 from Transport Scotland.

 

Donal Monaghan, FASTER Project Officer from SWC, said the roadshow had aimed to remove some of the barriers and fears that motorists had about switching to EVs.

 

He added: "We are delighted with the response we have had from the people of Fort William and the West of Scotland to this event. We have been very fortunate to welcome a number of guest speakers from across the UK and industry representatives who made the journey to showcase their electric vehicles, innovative charging infrastructure or driver support services.

 

"The organisers would like to thank all those who attended on the day despite the less-than-favourable weather conditions and everyone who took part in the interactive discussion sessions. A particular word of thanks is offered to Zoe and the team at the Nevis Centre for their professionalism and hospitality throughout the planning and delivery of the event."

 

"attachment_1017010" "" "840"] EV SHOW Rebecca Hanson (left) and founder of the Scottish Electric Vehicles Drivers Club, Heather Kennedy, gave information on the work of the group, which aims to provide a forum to discuss and share information amongst individual EV users. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_1017007" "" "840"] EV SHOW Panelists conducted several workshops throughout the event. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_1017016" "" "840"] EV SHOW Ian Macdonald of bus operator Ember demonstrated an all electric bus which has an electric lift for disabled people and space for bikes. Already very popular on their Perth to Dundee and Perth to Edinburgh routes, the company hope to introduce them on a new Fort William - Inverness service. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos

 

"attachment_1017070" "" "840"] EV SHOW Natasha Brown and her mother, Ann, try out the wheelchair lift on an electric bus. Photograph: Iain Ferguson, alba.photos