Cumberland Council has announced a significant investment of £57 million to improve electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure in the area. This funding will support the expansion of EV charging facilities, making them more accessible to residents, especially those without off-street parking.
Funding Breakdown
The investment includes £3.465 million from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) for capital funding. Additionally, £703,000 in pilot funding will help implement innovative EV charging solutions. This includes the cross-pavement ‘Gully’ project aimed at assisting residents without driveways in charging their vehicles safely at home.
Contract Details
The council plans to enter into two 15-year concession contracts, running from 2026 to 2041. The first contract is valued at approximately £25.791 million, focusing on on-street charging. The second, estimated at £31.180 million, will cover EV infrastructure in car parks.
Current EV Charging Facilities
Currently, Cumberland Council has around 30 EV chargers located in off-street car parks. However, many of these chargers are outdated and nearing the end of their contracts by 2026. The council intends to refurbish or replace this existing equipment to ensure reliability.
Accessibility and Location of Chargers
Councillor Andy Pratt raised concerns about the locations of the new chargers. The council confirmed that a list of proposed sites is available on their website, allowing residents to suggest additional locations. The speed of charging will vary based on location, with overnight charging being a priority for many users.
Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Programme
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme aims to deliver at least 671 charge point sites within the first five years. Priority will be given to areas with limited access to charging facilities, particularly in rural communities.
Council’s Vision for the Future
Councillor Mark Fryer, the leader of the council, emphasised the importance of this funding for the future of Cumberland. He stated that the investment will support economic growth and contribute to long-term climate goals. Councillor Denise Rollo highlighted the programme’s role in improving access to charging for residents without driveways.
