Cumberland Council has successfully secured £3.465 million in funding from the UK government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme, marking a major step forward in the region’s push for sustainable transport.
The Department for Transport-backed initiative aims to dramatically expand the county’s electric vehicle (EV) charging network, particularly in areas where residents lack access to off-street parking. The council plans to issue tender documents in June, seeking a long-term partnership with a charge point operator (CPO) responsible for the deployment, operation, and maintenance of the infrastructure.
Key Objectives
Ensure 70% of residents without off-street parking have access to public EV chargers within a 5-minute walk of their home.
Install EV chargers at local community hubs—including town centres, supermarkets, gyms, and retail parks—especially in rural areas where access is more challenging.
Regional Considerations
Cumberland, encompassing Cumbria, Carlisle, and parts of the Lake District and Pennines, is characterized by low population density and rural sprawl—factors that present unique challenges for widespread EV infrastructure. The council’s approach emphasizes flexible, localized deployment to ensure inclusivity across urban and rural communities.
This investment supports the UK’s broader net-zero goals and addresses growing public demand for cleaner transport, while also helping Cumberland future-proof its transport network.
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