Switching from a public to commercial charge point network in Scotland

Our guidance outlines the considerations for transitioning your units off the CPS network. It covers the key regulations regarding charging infrastructure in the UK and managing your site in the future. If you have any questions about the content, please email [email protected]

There are a wide variety of CPOs operating in Scotland. To help you choose the right one for your charge point you can: 

• Download our register of CPOs.
• Watch our playlist of snapshot videos where CPOs describe what they can offer you if you choose to transition to their network. 

We also hosted a few webinars were you could hear from expert charge point operators and ask any questions. You can view the recordings below:

• Meet the operator: session 1
• Meet the operator: session 2
• Meet the operator: session 3

The demand for charging infrastructure is increasing. By acting now, your organisation will be ready to benefit from this demand.

More support and advice will be available as you move away from the CPS network, including opportunities to hear from experts.

Please see the below links to our previous webinars:

• Switching from a public to a commercial charge point network in Scotland – webinar one
• Switching from a public to a commercial charge point network in Scotland – webinar two
• Switching from a public to a commercial charge point network in Scotland – webinar three
• ChargePlace Scotland transition support webinar
• Meet the operators A panel with CPOs and CPMs

These webinars will help you understand:

• Current state of CPS.
• How to transition off CPS.
• Key considerations to make when choosing a new CPO.
• Firsthand experience when switching away from CPS.
• What owners need to do.

Please note:

Transport Scotland can confirm that CPS will continue to work closely with owners who have not yet migrated their charge points into 2026 and will not decommission charge points on the previously communicated deadline of 31 December 2025.

CPS is a Charge point Network Operator (CPNO). This means that they manage a connected network of charge points that are accessible under a single platform. CPNOs do not manufacture, own or install charging units; they simply provide a system for charge points to connect to and be managed separately by a charge point operator.  Through this system, charge points can be located on digital maps; payment and tariffs implemented; and charger faults recorded and repaired.

A charge point operator (CPO) provides a full turnkey solution from the ground up and is responsible for installation, maintenance and ongoing support of charging infrastructure, including payment support and logistics.

A CPO can also act as a CPNO, managing a network of charge points.

See a full list of CPOs based in Scotland.

To transition off the CPS network, you should consider what your charging infrastructure currently offers, how it functions and what you might need to continue supporting the infrastructure in the years ahead.

Some questions to consider:

• How old is the charge point and is it compatible with the UK’s Public Chargepoint Regulations (2023)?
• Is your charging infrastructure designed, placed and open to those with diverse accessibility needs as outlined in the British Standards Institution (BSI) Electric Vehicle Accessible Charging Specification, PAS 1899:2022?
• What support and maintenance does your charge point need and have you discussed your options with the CPO or CPNO?

There are many options to choose from when it comes to funding models for your existing charging infrastructure and it’s important to consider which approach best fits your business needs.  

Funding models can be fully, or part funded, incorporate a purchase agreement or involve leasing your land to the charge point operator.  

To help you decide which model is best for your organisation, you can request your usage data from ChargePlace Scotland by contacting them directly at [email protected]

Your charging infrastructure would continue to operate without support or a management service. As a standalone charger, there would be no automated payment service related to usage. It would be up to you, as the owner, to ensure the infrastructure is maintained, and operational and that payments are received.