Lancaster City Council's proposal for a solar canopy at Auction Mart Car Park in Thurnham Street is expected to receive approval, creating eight EV charging bays funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and DEFRA Air Quality Grant. The hub will generate on site electricity to power charge points directly, store energy or export surplus to the National Grid, with discounted tariffs for taxi drivers and residents. The council notes 45% of district households lack off street parking, making home charging installation impossible for many residents.
Why it matters: The scheme addresses a key barrier to EV adoption by targeting the 45% of households without off street parking through subsidised public charging infrastructure. Solar generation with battery storage may reduce operating costs for charge point operators while offering a replicable model for local authority procurement teams seeking grant funded deployments.