There is now only a few days to go until GO EV! – the free Electric Vehicle open day, taking place on Saturday 18 October from 10am to 2pm at Kendal Leisure Centre.
The Council’s free event offers one of the area’s best opportunities to drop in and learn more about electric vehicles and the council’s plans for local EV infrastructure, explore charging options, see and test drive a wide selection of electric and hybrid vehicles, and talk with experts about making the switch to electric, in a family-friendly, no pressure environment.
The event supports the Council’s Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy which sets out plans to expand public charging infrastructure in car parks and on streets, prioritising high-use areas and rural communities to meet increasing demand.
To help build confidence in transitioning to electric vehicles, the Council has committed to delivering a series of ambitious targets by 2030 including:
- Ensuring that all Council-owned car parks have electric vehicle chargepoint infrastructure by 2030;
- Delivering 1,548 additional chargepoint sockets across the area by 2030;
- Enabling 60% of households without off-street parking to be within a three-minute walk of a chargepoint by 2030;
- Working with potential partners to increase availability in third-party car parks.
A range of local dealerships are confirmed to attend with over 20 EVs from leading brands including: Lloyd Motor Group (BMW, MINI, Kia, Volvo), Cox Motor Group (MG, Xpeng), Barton Townley (Nissan), Vertu Carlisle (Vauxhall, Peugeot), Cumbria Van Centre (Skywell BE-11), Vantage Morecambe (Škoda), DSG Ltd (Renault), Just Motor (Citroën, Hyundai) and Armstrong Van Centre.
Exhibitors at the event will include the Council’s EV Infrastructure Team and Climate and Nature Team, Create Energy Ltd and Electricity North West who will be on hand to share information on home and public charging, EV infrastructure developments and sustainable travel solutions.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to hear directly from real EV drivers who will be sharing their personal experiences of owning and driving electric vehicles, including the practicalities of charging, running costs and how EVs fit into everyday life.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Highways and ICT, said:
“It’s an exciting time for anyone considering making the switch to an electric vehicle. September saw EV sales reach a record high in the UK, with more than half of all new car registrations being fully electric or hybrid vehicles. This, along with growing model choice and improving charging networks, means there’s never been a better time to explore what’s out there. GO EV! brings all of that together in one place. It’s a chance to see the technology first-hand, get real advice from EV owners, dealers and experts, and discover how going electric can work for you.”
Information will also be available about the Motability Scheme and the Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, both of which can help make the switch to electric vehicles more accessible and affordable for eligible drivers.
The event is free to attend, with free parking for cars and bicycles. Regular bus services run to and from Kendal and Oxenholme for those travelling by public transport.
Councillor Giles Archibald, Cabinet Member for Climate, Biodiversity and Environmental Services, added:
“There are now so many ways to make the move to electric, whether buying, leasing, through the Motability Scheme or by taking advantage of the Government’s Electric Car Grant scheme. With more choice and flexibility than ever before, switching to an electric vehicle is becoming an achievable option for many households.
“Making the switch isn’t just about convenience or cost savings - it’s also one of the most effective ways we can all help cut carbon emissions and improve air quality in our communities. Every electric vehicle on the road contributes to a cleaner, greener Westmorland and Furness, and GO EV! is a great place to start that journey.”
Those wishing to take a test drive should bring a UK photocard driving licence, proof that they are over 21 and have held a full UK licence for at least two years, a copy of their Personal Driving License Check, and their GET A CODE reference which can be created online. Each test drive will last around ten minutes and return to the pick-up point.
