Lancaster submits planning application for city centre EV charging hub
A new EV charging hub in the centre of Lancaster could see reduced pricing on especially sunny days, through the use of solar and storage.
In Brief
- Following proposals made earlier this year for a new EV charging hub, which will be backed up by solar and storage, Lancaster City Council have finally submitted the planning application.
- The council says the site would offer rapid charging, discounted tariffs for residents and taxi drivers, and further savings when surplus solar generation is available.
- Construction could begin later in 2026, subject to approval, with operation expected during 2027. An earlier procurement notice estimated the contract at £576,000.
- The project sits alongside Lancashire’s wider £10.1 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure programme, which is focused primarily on public charging for people unable to charge at home.
In Review
Lancaster City Council has submitted a planning application for an integrated EV charging hub in the heart of the city centre.
The project was first proposed back in January, and is set to feature eight charging bays, a battery storage cabinet, and a canopy-mounted solar array.
While EV charging hubs with solar arrays have become commonplace in other parts of Europe, with the French Government mandating them for any car park that exceeds 1,500sqm in space, they’re not as common in the UK. That doesn’t mean they don’t exist, however, with notable projects such as one located in Morpeth, Northumberland.
Now, Lancaster City Council wants to get in on the trend while also providing EV charging for residents who might not necessarily have access to a charger at home.
The council says 45% of households in the district do not have off-street parking, while Lancaster’s Local Area Energy Plan estimates that the same proportion may be unable to charge at home. The plan recommends as many as 1,250 public charge points across the district as EV use increases.
Of course, an eight-bay EV charging hub is hardly going to make a dent in that need, but it could provide a useful city centre option for residents, taxis and drivers needing a faster charge.
Rather interestingly, the council is also taking a unique approach with this charging hub. That’s because it plans to let the canopy’s solar output help dictate charging costs. That means on especially sunny days when there is a glut of generated electricity, residents could benefit from lower charging costs. That’s on top of the lower prices compared to commercial chargers the council has already promised.
Councillor Sam Riches, cabinet member with responsibility for climate action, noted, “Currently, 45% of households in the district do not have access to off-street parking, which means many residents cannot install a charger at home. This makes the switch to an electric vehicle more difficult and expensive.
“This ambitious plan aims to resolve this issue by empowering more residents to switch to electric vehicles with confidence, knowing they have access to dependable, and cost-effective charging.”
“While supporting our commitment to generate more sustainable energy and increase energy resilience, the project will also help improve air quality across the district.”
Subject to planning approval, the council expects work to start later in 2026 and the hub to open during 2027.
Recommended Reading
What Miatta Fahnbulleh brings as energy secretary – and the tests waiting for her
Miatta Fahnbulleh replaces Ed Miliband as Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, but what is she likely to do in her new role?
Electrical manufacturers warn uncertain project pipeline is holding back output
The latest BEAMA Market Pulse survey shows that electrical manufacturers are concerned output could be hit by growing uncertainty in construction.
West Northamptonshire appoints char.gy for 3,000-socket on-street EV rollout
West Northamptonshire Council has selected char.gy to deliver more than 3,000 on-street EV charging sockets.