Drivers in North Yorkshire will have better access to electric vehicle chargepoints, after being awarded £2.2m through a new pilot backed by £20 million of government and industry funding announced today (August 24).
Through the innovative Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) pilot scheme, North Yorkshire Council and industry will work together to create new, commercial EV charging infrastructure for residents, from on-street chargepoints to larger petrol station-style charging hubs.
The rollout supports the Government’s drive to encourage more motorists to go electric, which can save drivers money on fuel and running costs, and improve air quality as the country moves towards net zero.
The scheme will help residents without private driveways to have better access to EV chargers, as well as growing the charging network across the country, supporting the nation’s uptake of zero emission vehicles and enabling more people to drive and charge without fear of being caught short, no matter where they are.
The pilot is backed by £10 million of government funding and will see North Yorkshire Council awarded £2m local authorities in the first tranche of the planned £450 million scheme, supported by £200,000 of funding from industry.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Andrew Jones said: “This is a significant investment in electric vehicle charging points in North Yorkshire. Combined with our local councils’ strategy for increasing facilities in Harrogate and Knaresborough it represents a huge increase in our charging capacity.
“As we reduce our reliance on fossil fuels – rightly so when you see how volatile the prices can be – we need to take every opportunity to boost the use of cleaner alternatives. Transport, particularly private cars, remain one of the main polluters through exhaust emissions. This funding is another step on the journey to making electric vehicles the norm, beating high petrol prices and making our air cleaner.”
Community News 