Please note that this page contains information and links most relevant for people living in Scotland.
Important information
The plugged-in communities grant fund round 3 is now closed to new applications following full funding allocation. To be notified of any future funding opportunity please sign up to our register of interest below.
About the plugged-in communities grant fund
The third round of funding can cover 100% of costs, up to £75,000, to replace a community transport vehicle with a zero-emission alternative, to support community trips and services.
Funding excludes VAT (unless deemed non-reclaimable), and no match funding is required. Grants are available to cover the following zero-emission vehicles:
Cars
Light goods vehicles
Minibuses
Mopeds/ motorcycles
This funding round follows the popular round 1 and 2 funds, that ran in 2022/23 and 2023/24.
These rounds supported community transport organisations and highlighted the high demand from the sector to help make the switch to zero-emission vehicles.
How to apply
This fund is currently closed following full funding allocation.
If you would like to be notified of any future funding please complete our register of interest:
If funding becomes available, you will be contacted and invited to apply.
Before you submit the form, please check our eligibility criteria below.
Applicants must meet all the following criteria to be eligible for funding under the Plugged-in Communities Grant Fund:
Applicants must be a recognised community transport organisation or operator in Scotland with a UK bank account.
Applicants must be providing community transport services. The Community Transport Association define community transport as “flexible and accessible community-led solutions in response to unmet local transport needs, and often represents the only means of transport for many vulnerable and isolated people, often older people or people with disabilities”.
Applicants must commit to providing appropriate charging or powering infrastructure to support the running of the zero-emission vehicle. This can include public or shared access.
Applicants must be committed to providing quarterly monitoring reports to Energy Saving Trust that detail miles driven, number of journeys and customers of the funded zero-emission vehicle.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate that receipt of additional funding will not breach new Public Subsidy rules. Further details on subsidy rules are included in the application form or on request.
Applicants cannot have previously received funding through the Plugged in Communities grant fund in any previous years.
Applicants must ensure that any vehicle ordered is delivered and claimed by 31 March 2025.
Terms and Conditions
Energy Saving Trust is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This fund is subject to availability and terms and conditions apply.
Previous rounds of funding supported housing associations, housing cooperatives and community groups, and included the launch of zero-emission car club services for residents and local communities.
The following organisations were awarded funding in the 2018/19 financial year:
Case study
Case study
