16-05-2025
New council funding 'reduces barriers' to electric vehicle ownership
Cumberland Council has been awarded over £3 million as part of a national initiative to make electric vehicles more accessible to the public.
The council has announced that it will received £3.465 million in funding from the Department for Transport through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme.
This significant investment will support the installation of new, publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charge points across the Cumberland area.
A statement released by the council championed the news, saying: "It marks a major step forward in the council's commitment to cleaner, more sustainable transport and ensures that residents and visitors alike have greater access to essential EV infrastructure."
At its Executive Board meeting in April 2025, approval was granted to procure a long-term concession contract for the provision, operation, and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure across the region.
Tender documents are currently being finalised, with publication expected in the next month.
The rollout is set to begin with the first chargers installed by winter 2025.
All planned charge points are expected to be fully commissioned by winter 2028.
A core objective of the LEVI-funded project is to ensure at least 70 per cent of Cumberland residents without access to off-street parking will have a charge point available within a five-minute walk of their home.
In more rural or isolated areas where this may not be feasible, charging facilities will be provided at local community hubs to ensure equitable access.
READ MORE: Plans to roll out electric car chargers revealed
Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, executive member for sustainable, resilient and connected places, said: "Cumberland Council is committed to putting local communities at the heart of this transition.
"A period of public engagement will begin in July 2025, inviting residents and stakeholders to help shape the rollout and identify priority locations for charging infrastructure.
"This project supports Cumberland's net zero ambitions, reduces barriers to EV ownership, and strengthens our commitment to addressing the climate emergency while promoting innovation and social value across the region."
