The Go Ultra Low North East programme aims to raise an awareness of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles or ULEVs, encouraging consumers to consider using electric vehicles (EVs) in the future. We’re also working to develop new fast charging facilities across the region.

The initiative, which is managed by Transport North East on behalf of the North East Joint Transport Committee, is funded and supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) programme 2014-2020.

To date we have delivered:

• The creation of the UK’s first electric vehicle fast charging station in Sunderland which opened in April 2019.
• The roll out of 11 rapid charge hubs across the North East – offering quick and easy charging for electric vehicle owners.
• Partnership work with businesses to encourage more take-up of the growing EV charging network, helping the business community take steps to lower their carbon footprint.

• A wide range of marketing and promotional activities, raising awareness of the project and highlighting the wide-ranging benefits of sustainable travel.

Whether its consumers wanting to know how to select the best models on the market or those wanting to know how to charge them, the Go Ultra Low project aims to change consumer mindsets and boost the popularity of ULEVs across our region.

A study is currently underway to investigate how beneficial these projects have been in increasing the uptake of ULEVs. The study findings will feed into the North East’s longer term EV strategy.

Go Ultra Low Taxi Project

Transport North East successfully secured just over £500,000 in grant funding from the Office of Low Emission Vehicles to deliver rapid charging infrastructure.

The region is delivering 10 rapid chargers for taxi and private hire vehicles across each of the seven local authority areas.

Attention is now switching to engagement with the taxi companies to encourage them to consider electric vehicles through a series of online webinars, trials and workshops across a 2-year period. This is part of the region’s drive to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles – improving both air quality and reducing pollution.