Durham County Council aims to boost EV charging options

Durham County Council is working in partnership with Zest to identify an additional 250 locations for EV charging.

40 per cent of residents in the county don't have a driveway and a new project is trying to encourage those people to choose electric vehicles.

The project is supported by more than £4 million from the government's Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme and Zest will also invest more than £7 million to provide and operate the charge points, systems and long-term provision of the service.

The first installations are due to start in September.

Cllr Mark Wilkes,  cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: "We are delighted to be able to expand our EV infrastructure across the county. It really is important that we can offer residents more charging points as a better, more accessible network will make it easier for people to drive an electric vehicle.  

"In addition, by working together we can meet our ambitious targets to reduce emissions by 80 per cent over the next three years and achieve net zero across the county by 2045. We are committed to not only meeting this aim but continuing our work with our partners to look for further opportunities to expand our green infrastructure."

Robin Heap, CEO and founder of Zest, said: "The combination of investment from LEVI and Zest enables forward-looking local authorities like Durham to deliver ambitious EV projects for all residents. It should be seen as a blueprint for a more equitable approach to strategic infrastructure.

"For us, it's part of an ongoing strategy to provide convenient charging that synchronises with peoples' everyday lives - wherever they usually park. We look forward to working alongside the Durham team for years to come."