As the UK accelerates towards its 2030 target for banning new petrol and diesel car sales, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is becoming more urgent. However, a significant portion of UK homeowners face a unique challenge: installing EV chargers without driveways. Here's an exploration of the issues at hand, the current solutions, and the road ahead.
The Driveway Dilemma
A considerable number of UK residences, particularly in densely populated urban areas, do not have driveways or off-street parking. This lack of personal parking space poses a significant barrier to EV adoption. According to Lloyds Bank research, over 44% of UK homes are deemed unsuitable for EV ownership due to this very issue.
The Pavement Problem
For those without driveways, running a charging cable from their home across the pavement to their car becomes a prevalent solution. However, this isn’t without its problems:
Safety Concerns: Cables lying across pavements can be a tripping hazard for pedestrians, which is a major safety concern.
Legal Hurdles: Under the Highways Act 1980, it's illegal to place cables across public highways in a manner that could cause danger or injury. Many local councils advise against this practice, and some have the authority to remove improperly placed cables.
Council Approval: Any permanent solution like installing duct channels or other cable management systems requires council approval, which can be a lengthy and uncertain process.
Current Solutions
Despite the challenges, several innovative solutions are emerging:
Cable Protectors: Some companies offer cable protectors that can be placed over the cables to minimize trip hazards. While these are a temporary measure, they supposedly comply with the need for safety under the Highway Act.
Gul-e and Similar Products: Developed by ODS in partnership with Oxford City Council, Gul-e provides a recessed channel for cables under the pavement, reducing the risk of tripping. This system, however, is not widespread, and local council approval remains a hurdle.
Kerbo Charge: This product involves cutting a channel into the pavement for the cable, covered by a flap to prevent trips. It's been trialed in places like County Durham with promising results but isn't yet universally adopted.
Government and Council Initiatives
Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant: Previously, this grant was limited but has been expanded to include those without driveways, offering up to £350 off the cost of installation, provided there's council consent for a cross-pavement solution.
On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS): This scheme encourages councils to install charging points in residential areas, but the uptake and implementation vary significantly by region.
The Road Ahead
The slow adoption of these infrastructural changes by councils poses a real problem for EV owners or potential buyers:
Urban Planning and Policy: There needs to be a more unified approach from local councils towards approving and rolling out these solutions.
Awareness and Advocacy: Increasing public and council awareness about the benefits of EVs and the necessity of accessible charging solutions is crucial.
Innovative Alternatives: Exploring alternatives like charger-sharing apps (like Co Charger) or even wireless charging technology could bypass traditional infrastructure limitations.
Conclusion
The push for electric vehicles in the UK is commendable, yet it must be supported by infrastructure solutions that cater to all housing types. The current disparity in charging solutions for homeowners without driveways not only hampers individual adoption rates but also challenges the nation's environmental goals. As EV ownership continues to rise, driven by government incentives and environmental consciousness, the need for a practical, safe, and council-approved method for charging on public pavements becomes increasingly urgent.
The UK must foster a dialogue between property owners, local councils, and product innovators to bridge this gap in EV infrastructure, ensuring that the move towards sustainable transport is truly inclusive.
As a local council approved highways Contractor that have installed hundreds of pavement crossover projects and our push as a
EV Charge point installation Contractor, we eagerly await progress and developments on this matter, to merge our capabilities!
Simon Pettit
PETTIT Group CEO
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