New electric car charging hub in Lancaster ‘will offer cheaper energy and widen access for many residents’

A new EV hub is proposed for Lancaster’s Auction Mart car park as part of Lancaster City Council plans for the coming 12 months.

And councillors say that it will bring cheaper energy prices and wider access to electric vehicle charging to taxi drivers in the city.

Money towards the proposed council-run hub has come from the government, as part of wider measures to extend electric car ownership and cut petrol and diesel emissions.

Proposed prices at the Thurnham Street site in Lancaster will be lower than the average at commercially run EV hubs – and even lower prices will be offered when there is plenty of solar power.

At its latest meeting, Lancaster City Council’s cabinet backed the ideas along with other financial suggestions for the year ahead, although further consultation is due along with a planning application for the hub, if it progresses.

Coun Martin Bottoms said: “Forty-five per cent of residents in the Lancaster district do not have private driveways, garages or other private spaces to charge electric vehicles. This is a barrier to widening EV car ownership.

“Under this plan, local residents in eligible areas and taxi drivers will be offered a reduced tariff and app. Visitors and other users will be offered a contactless payment system.”

A report for the cabinet stated: “The lower tariff is offered as an optional service to eligible users. By making the reduced rate accessible to 45 per cent of households without off-street parking, the council seeks to promote an equitable shift toward electric vehicle adoption.”

People with their own EV charging equipment at home can already benefit from cheaper off-peak electricity, it points out.

The average current costs at commercial charging points locally are 54p for a 7kW charge point, 62p for a 22kW point and 81p for a 43-75kW point.

The proposed council hub tariffs are 35p, 40p and 65p respectively for eligible local residents.

Other users will pay tariffs 10p higher but the solar saver fees will knock 10p off all prices. It will be introduced during periods of high solar generation. Users will receive app or email notifications, tailored to their user group.

The report added: “Proposed prices will never fall below the imported electricity cost, ensuring the city council does not incur losses during high solar generation. This comprehensive approach will make EV charging more affordable but also encourage a fair transition to electric vehicles for all.”

Any drivers who stay beyond their allocated charging time at the hub could face a £10 fee.

Coun Sam Riches, the cabinet member for climate action, said: “This EV hub is a new initiative and I commend council officers for their work. This will provide a new way for many residents to charge their cars.

“For many people, having the space and facilities to charge an electric car is a problem. Residents don’t control streets or pavements outside their houses. If they need to charge overnight or have an important journey but can’t park outside their house to charge, it’s a challenge. But this is a really useful solution.”