Cumberland Council is preparing to discuss significant developments regarding its electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure contracts. A meeting of the highways and transport Strategic Board will take place on April 23rd at Cumbria House in Carlisle.
The council plans to establish two 15-year concession contracts. Valued at £25.791 million and £31.180 million, respectively, to enhance public EV charging facilities across the region.
Details of the Concession Contracts
The two contracts will span from 2026 to 2041, as recommended by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). The total estimated value of these contracts is £57 million. Which includes £3.465 million in grant funding received by the council.
This funding will be complemented by investments from the selected concessionaires and potential revenue generated during the contract period.
Division of Contract Lots
To ensure efficient deployment, the contracts are divided into two lots. Lot one will focus on on-street charging infrastructure. While lot two will cater to installations within car parks and community assets. This division reflects the varying installation and operational needs of different charging locations.
Current EV Charging Facilities
Cumberland Council currently manages approximately 30 EV chargers located in off-street car parks. However, many of these chargers are outdated and will be out of contract by the end of 2026. The council acknowledges the need for modernisation to meet current demands.
Funding and Investment
The council has secured £3.465 million in capital funding from OZEV, which will support the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) project. The selected concessionaires are expected to match this funding. With an aim to exceed it to enhance the EV charging network.
Additional Funding Support
In addition to the capital funding, Cumberland Council received £703,000 in pilot funding from OZEV, which has been allocated to various projects, including the Gully project.
Furthermore, the council was awarded £419,000 in capability funding in 2023 to support its EV team, which will oversee the procurement and implementation of the EV infrastructure.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, Cumberland Council has confirmed that it will receive an additional three years of capability funding from OZEV starting in February 2026. This funding will further assist in the management and expansion of the council’s EV infrastructure projects.
