The government has several grants available regarding low emission vehicles and charge points.
Our commitment to electric vehicle charging
We are committed to tackling climate change and improving air quality. As part of our Local Transport Plan, we’re supporting greener travel options, including making it easier to switch to electric vehicles. Our Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Rollout Strategy sets out how we’re delivering charging points across North Yorkshire. While we encourage walking, cycling, and public transport as the first mode of choice, we recognise that many people still rely on cars. That’s why we’re working to make electric vehicle charging more accessible.
Electric vehicle technology has improved significantly, with modern electric vehicles offering longer ranges, better reliability, and a great driving experience. The benefits of electric vehicles can include:
lower running costs – less maintenance and cheaper charging compared to petrol or diesel
cleaner air – no exhaust emissions, helping to reduce pollution
better driving experience – instant power, smooth acceleration, and regenerative braking that recharges the battery while driving
Suggest an on-street charge point
If you know a good spot for an on-street electric vehicle charger, we want to hear from you.
Submit your suggestion through our request tool, and we’ll consider it when planning future installations. All suggestions are subject to feasibility and available funding.
Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Programme
The Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure scheme is a government fund to install public electric vehicle chargers, especially for residents without driveways.
North Yorkshire secured £4.88 million in 2023 to install on-street chargers, plus an extra £1.237 million for Scarborough and Richmondshire. The rollout is expected to begin in autumn 2025.
North Yorkshire Council also received £1.5m as part of a pilot fund to roll out electric vehicle charging points in remote rural areas supported by renewable energy generation.
Cross-pavement charging (home charging without a driveway)
We’re exploring safe and legal cross-pavement charging solutions to enable residents without a driveway to access home charging.
At the moment, trailing a cable across a pavement to charge an electric vehicle is not allowed under the Highways Act 1980, as it creates a trip hazard.
We are now closed for expressions of interest for this trial. If you have not previously contacted us to register your interest, please be aware that we may reopen expressions of interest in the future.
Electric vehicle charging grants
The government offers grants to help with electric vehicle charging at home, work, and public places:
Community groups and councils can help expand electric vehicle charging.
We’re planning rural electric vehicle chargers through the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure pilot fund and welcome interest from communities. If your group has a suitable site (such as a car park, a building with a south-facing roof, or access to a watercourse for hydropower), please contact EVCharging@northyorks.gov.uk to register your interest.
Parish and town councils can also install public electric vehicle chargers on their own land. Many suppliers offer installation at no cost to the council, with options to receive a share of charging revenue. If you would like a conversation with the Electric Vehicle Charging Team about any potential electric vehicle infrastructure, please contact EVCharging@northyorks.gov.uk
