North East set to charge up EV future

A regeneration boss has outlined plans to accelerate electric vehicle production, charging infrastructure and cleaner public transport across the North East. 

North East mayor Kim McGuinness has identified 2026 as a turning point for the region’s transition to cleaner transport.

Central to the plans is the start of production of the new Nissan LEAF at the Sunderland factory, reinforcing the North East’s role as a hub for advanced automotive manufacturing and supporting thousands of jobs across the supply chain. 

Inclusion of the model in the Government’s Electric Car Grant is expected to further boost demand for UK-built electric vehicles.

Mayor McGuinness said: “The start of production for the new Nissan LEAF is a landmark day for our car industry, but it also comes at a turning point for EV in the North East which we are backing with £50 million of new investment. 

"We’re not just talking about the future of transport – we’re building it right here and that means jobs for local people while we make it easier for car owners to switch to EV. 

“Drivers can get a £3750 subsidy from the Government on buying a new LEAF and that’s a real boost for workers at Nissan and its supply chain.” 

Alongside manufacturing, fresh funding has been secured to help businesses adapt to the transition. 

A £50 million Electric Vehicle Cluster Fund will support supply chain firms to innovate, diversify and scale up their involvement in EV production, strengthening skilled employment across the region.

Charging infrastructure is also set for significant growth, with more than 1000 new EV charging points planned for installation across cities, towns and villages. 

The rollout prioritises areas where access is currently limited, including housing estates and village centres, alongside support for residents without off-street parking to charge vehicles safely from home.

Public transport features prominently in the programme, with backing in place to double the region’s electric bus fleet within six months. 

This forms part of the mayor’s longer-term ambition to transition the entire bus fleet to electric within a decade, supported by a new agreement with Hitachi, signed in Tokyo last month, to work together on the infrastructure and technology required. 

A new flagship ultra-fast charging station is also opening, improving access for drivers and supporting the wider transition to electric travel across the North East.

Mayor McGuinness added: “We are installing new charge points in the North East faster than anywhere else in the UK. 

“We are delivering on our promise to install more than 1000 new EV charge points and that’s happening right now in places like Berwick, Otterburn and Spennymoor. 

“We will also work with bus companies to double the number of electric buses to give passengers a smoother, cleaner ride, starting with busy routes to and from Chester-le-Street, Metrocentre and Gateshead in the new year. 

“I want to see every bus in the North East go electric within ten years.”  

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