£1.2m EV Charging Fund to Support North East Drivers

Thousands of households across Newcastle and the wider North East are set to benefit from a major new investment designed to make electric vehicle ownership cheaper and more practical for residents without private driveways.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness has confirmed a £1.2 million funding package aimed at helping families access affordable at-home electric vehicle charging, even if they rely on on-street parking. The scheme is expected to support more than a thousand households across the region and could play a major role in accelerating the switch to cleaner transport.

The funding has been secured through the Government’s EV pavement channels grant and will be delivered through local councils including Newcastle City Council, Gateshead Council, Sunderland City Council, Durham County Council, Northumberland County Council, North Tyneside Council and South Tyneside Council.

The initiative focuses on one of the biggest barriers preventing many people from switching to electric vehicles - the lack of off-street parking.

Cheaper EV Charging for Newcastle Residents.

For many Newcastle residents living in terraced streets or urban neighbourhoods, charging an electric vehicle at home has not been realistic. Drivers without a driveway have often been forced to use public charging stations, which are usually more expensive than domestic electricity rates.

The new scheme aims to change that by introducing specially designed pavement charging gullies. These channels allow a charging cable to safely run beneath the pavement from a home charger to a vehicle parked at the kerbside.

The system removes the need for trailing cables across pavements while reducing trip hazards for pedestrians. It also gives households access to much cheaper residential charging costs, helping drivers save money over time.

According to Government estimates, charging an electric vehicle at home can cost as little as 2p per mile, offering significant savings compared to petrol or diesel vehicles.

With fuel prices and household bills continuing to impact families across Newcastle and the North East, the funding is expected to provide long-term financial relief for drivers considering the move to electric cars.

Kim McGuinness Backs Cleaner Transport Across the North East.

North East Mayor Kim McGuinness said the investment will help ensure that the transition to greener transport is fair and accessible to everyone, regardless of where they live.

She explained that families without driveways should have the same opportunity to benefit from cheaper EV charging as households with garages or private parking spaces.

McGuinness also highlighted the wider environmental benefits of expanding electric vehicle infrastructure across the region, with cleaner transport expected to play a key role in reducing emissions and improving air quality in towns and cities including Newcastle.

The Mayor has repeatedly stated her ambition for the North East to become a leading region for green transport investment, and the latest funding announcement forms part of a broader push to expand charging infrastructure across local communities.

Government Says EV Investment Will Save Drivers Money.

The announcement has also been welcomed by Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather, who said the funding would make electric vehicle charging more accessible and affordable for residents who currently face limited options.

He said the Government is working to build confidence among drivers considering electric vehicles while also reducing the upfront costs associated with switching to EV ownership.

Alongside the pavement charging grant, the Government is continuing its Electric Car Grant scheme, which could help eligible drivers save up to £3,750 on the purchase of a new electric vehicle.

Officials believe combining lower purchase costs with cheaper charging access could encourage more households in Newcastle and across the North East to make the transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles over the coming years.

How the EV Pavement Charging Scheme Will Work.

Residents interested in the scheme will need to apply through their local council once applications open. Each authority will manage its own process, meaning eligibility rules and timelines may differ depending on the area.

Installation work will involve fitting a shallow covered channel beneath the pavement surface. This allows residents to connect a home charger to a vehicle parked outside their property without creating safety issues for pedestrians.

The charging gullies are designed to blend discreetly into existing pavements while providing a practical long-term charging solution for densely populated streets.

Local councils are expected to release more details in the coming months, including guidance on who can apply, installation requirements and how many homes will initially be included in the pilot phase.

Newcastle and the North East Continue EV Expansion.

The latest funding announcement comes as the North East continues to strengthen its electric vehicle infrastructure at one of the fastest rates in the UK.

Newcastle and surrounding areas have already seen significant growth in public charging points over recent years, with investment focused on making low-emission travel more convenient for residents and businesses.

Transport leaders believe improving charging access is essential if the region is to meet future environmental targets and encourage wider EV adoption.

With more drivers expected to switch to electric vehicles over the next decade, schemes like the new pavement charging initiative are likely to become increasingly important in urban areas where off-street parking is limited.

For Newcastle residents considering an electric car, the latest funding could remove one of the biggest practical and financial obstacles to making the switch.

What do you think about the new EV charging plans for Newcastle and the North East?