North East funding helps people switch to electric vehicles

In the North East, a £1.2 million scheme will support on-street charging for drivers without driveways, allowing them to power up at lower domestic electricity rates.

The funding comes from the Government’s electric vehicle (EV) pavement channels grant and will benefit more than a thousand families across the region.

Kim McGuinness, North East Mayor, said: “I am determined the North East leads the way in the transition to electric vehicles, and this funding will make EV ownership more accessible for more than a thousand families who don’t have a driveway.

“Where you live should not make a difference in whether you can choose an electric vehicle.

“This fund means families can charge at home, at cheaper residential rates, just like those with off-street parking already do – putting money back in people’s pockets and making electric vehicles a realistic option for far more people.”

The funding will allow local councils to install pavement charging channels – covered gullies that run beneath the pavement and allow a charging cable to safely connect from a home charge point to a vehicle parked at the kerb.

This discreet solution removes trip hazards while enabling convenient, low-cost charging.

The move supports the region’s goal to lead in clean transport and builds on the already UK-leading pace at which new EV charge points are being rolled out across the region.

Keir Mather, aviation, maritime and decarbonisation minister, said: “We’re investing £1.2m in the North East to make charging cheaper and more accessible, giving drivers the confidence to go electric.

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“This support is targeted at residents without private driveways so they can tap into domestic electricity rates and charge up for as little as 2p per mile.”

Residents will be able to take part in the pilot by applying through their local council, though application dates and criteria may differ depending on the area.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-the-electric-vehicle-ev-pavement-channels-grant