Cumberland receives £3.465 million for electric vehicle charging network expansion
Project aims to increase access to EV charging across region
Cumberland Council has secured £3.465 million in government funding from the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) programme to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging across the Cumberland area.
Awarded in April 2025, the funds will support the installation of publicly accessible EV charge points on streets, council car parks, and community locations throughout the county, in line with the council’s Electric Vehicle Strategy.
The initiative is backed by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) and part of the funding will be used for a pilot project known as the ‘Gully’ project, designed to help residents without driveways charge electric vehicles at home safely.
Additionally, Cumberland Council has received £703,000 in pilot funding to support innovative approaches to EV charging.
To manage the installation and maintenance of the new infrastructure, the council plans to establish a dedicated EV team responsible for planning and managing contracts.
Progress was discussed during the Highways and Transport Strategic Board meeting on 23rd April 2026, where members acknowledged advancements in the LEVI programme.
The council is preparing a long-term contract for the installation, operation, and maintenance of EV charging infrastructure for public use, prioritising areas with limited current access.
Over the first five years of the programme, at least 671 charge point sites are expected to be delivered.
Councillor Mark Fryer, Leader of Cumberland Council, expressed that the funding is a vital investment for Cumberland’s future, aiming to enhance accessibility, support economic growth, and meet climate aims.
Councillor Denise Rollo, Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, emphasised the importance of expanding access to EV charging, particularly in rural areas and for residents without driveways.
The council remains committed to progressing the delivery of EV infrastructure in line with its strategy, focusing on areas in need.