Rural charging powers North East shift

A North East transport initiative is gaining momentum as new electric vehicle infrastructure begins to reach communities that have traditionally lacked access to low-carbon travel options.

26 new EV charging points are now live across County Durham and Northumberland, marking a key milestone in a wider regional roll-out led by North East mayor Kim McGuinness. 

Northumberland County Council has completed all ten of its planned installations, while Durham County Council has delivered 16 of 19 chargers, with the remaining three due to be installed early next year.

The latest installations form part of a broader programme to deliver 92 chargers across the region, designed to support the transition to greener transport while ensuring rural areas are not left behind. 

Mayor McGuinness said: “As both someone who owns an EV, and lives in a rural community, I know just how important improving access to chargers is as we make the move to a greener North East. 

“This isn't just about greening our transport – it’s about ensuring no one is left behind as we move towards a more sustainable future.  

“By putting this infrastructure in place now, we’re giving people across the North East the confidence to make the move to EVs, knowing they'll be able to charge their vehicles wherever they live, work or visit.” 

Locations (see maps below) have been selected to address gaps in existing provision, giving residents, businesses and visitors in less-connected communities greater confidence to switch to electric vehicles.

Progress on the scheme demonstrates how cleaner transport investment can support both decarbonisation and rural economic growth.

The chargers have been funded through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which has also supported earlier investment in zero-emission buses operating across the region.

Keir Mather, minister for aviation, maritime and decarbonisation, added: “We want everyone to be able to charge up on the go no matter where they live. 

“These latest additions are just the start of our record boost to the charging network, with thousands more chargers planned for the North East and a further £19 million allocated to install chargers and cross-pavement charging channels for people without driveways.  

“Chargepoint numbers in the North East continue to grow and drivers can also save thousands off the price of new EV’s through our Electric Car Grant, with over 40,000 people already benefiting.” 

Looking ahead, the programme is set to scale significantly, with more than 1000 new charge points planned across the North East over the next five years, helping to build a more inclusive, sustainable transport network for communities across urban and rural areas alike.

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