The Department for Transport has given Cumberland Council £3.5m to get more electric vehicle (EV) chargers onto streets, through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles’ Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure scheme.

This funding is intended to ensure at least 70% of Cumberland residents will have a charge point available within a five-minute walk, if they do not have off-street parking.

In more rural areas where this may not be attainable, charging facilities will be available at local community hubs to ensure equitable access.

This funding was approved in April, and consultations with residents and stakeholders start from July.

This will help shape the roll-out and identify locations where charging infrastructure is a priority.

All planned charge points and expected to be fully commissioned by winter 2028, with the first chargers installed by winter 2025.

Cumberland Councillor Denise Rollo, an Executive Member for Sustainable, Resilient and Connected Places, said the project “supports Cumberland’s net zero ambitions, reduces barriers to EV ownership, and strengthens our commitment to addressing the climate emergency” and that it will promote “innovation and social value across the region.”