A new electric vehicle (EV) charging scheme has been launched in Cumbria targeting installations on 100 new sites.
The scheme is being run by community benefit society Charge My Street alongside Cumbria Action for Sustainability.
The duo are looking to identify 100 business with premises suitable for EV chargers in Cumbria and Lancashire.
Installation of the chargers will be carried out by Bay Camera and Communications, with Charge My Street responsible for the upkeep and maintenance. Charge My Street will also pay the cost of the electricity consumed through charging, with installation of the chargers to be free except for sites that require network upgrades.
The scheme has been designed to help boost the uptake of EVs in areas with a high proportion of terraced housing or flats to help solve the problem of these properties not having private driveways on which to install a charger.
The chargers installed through the scheme will therefore be available to use by the public alongside staff and customers of the host business, and will be operated via a mobile phone app.
Businesses interested must have adjoining spaces for at least two EVs to park and charge, good mobile data coverage or an open broadband signal, be accessible overnight and be near residential areas with limited off street parking options.
Rob Johnston, chief executive of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said that the Chamber is working on a toolkit to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint, with the Charge My Street scheme “fitting well with that”.
“It will be particularly attractive to retail and hospitality businesses that have off-street parking – and let’s face it these sectors need all the help they can get at the moment.
“If you’re a shop, restaurant, cafe or pub, there’s a good chance that customers will spend money with you while their vehicle is being charged.”
