The North East has reached a major milestone in its mission to build a greener, cleaner transport network as 26 new electric vehicle charging points are now live across County Durham and Northumberland.
The installations form the first phase of North East Mayor Kim McGuinness’s ambitious 92‑charger rollout, designed to support the region’s transition to electric vehicles and ensure that rural communities are not left behind.
Northumberland County Council has completed the installation of all ten new charging points, while Durham County Council has now delivered 16 of its planned 19 chargers, with the remaining three due early next year. The chargers have been placed in strategic rural and semi‑rural locations, helping close long‑standing gaps in EV infrastructure outside the region’s urban centres.
Mayor McGuinness said the rollout demonstrates a commitment to ensuring every resident and visitor – no matter where they live – has access to the infrastructure needed to make the switch to EVs. The chargers will also help boost local economies by making rural destinations more accessible and attractive to sustainable travellers.
The new chargers are funded through the Government’s Levelling Up Fund, which has already supported major green transport projects in the region. Earlier funding delivered 52 zero‑emission buses across operators including Arriva, Go North East and Stagecoach.
Over the next five years, the North East is set to see more than 1,000 new charge points installed, creating one of the most comprehensive EV support networks in the UK.
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness commented:
“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."
The 92‑charger programme is a central part of Mayor McGuinness’s wider mission to deliver sustainable, low‑carbon transport, cut emissions and support the region’s climate goals. Ensuring rural communities are part of that transition has been a consistent priority, with the Mayor emphasising that greener transport must work for everyone, in every corner of the North East.
This week’s milestone marks substantial progress towards a more resilient, future‑focused transport network – one that benefits the environment while supporting local businesses, tourism, and the wider regional economy.
Image credit: iStock
