English Councils Encouraged to Install Pavement Gullies for EV Charging

Local councils in England are being urged to implement a new government initiative that aims to install pavement gullies, allowing homeowners without driveways to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) conveniently. This initiative, announced by the Department for Transport, seeks to alleviate current challenges faced by approximately 9.3 million households lacking off-street parking, which often results in EV owners trailing cables across pavements, posing safety hazards.

The £25 million government scheme will provide funding for the installation of cross-pavement charging solutions. These solutions consist of narrow cable channels that connect residential homes to curbside charging points, minimizing the risk of trip hazards while promoting the adoption of electric vehicles. The initiative is part of broader efforts to encourage EV usage, which is viewed as essential for reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change.

According to Heidi Alexander, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, "We know access to charging is a barrier for people thinking of making the switch, and we are tackling that head-on so that everyone – whether or not they have a driveway – can access the benefits of going electric." The initiative is intended to foster a smoother transition to electric vehicles, especially in urban areas where public charging options may be limited.

The financial investment for the charger gullies, while relatively modest at £25 million, represents a significant step toward addressing the needs of urban EV owners. If successfully implemented across various councils, this initiative could empower tens of thousands of drivers to charge their vehicles at home, thereby enhancing the appeal of electric vehicles in the UK market.

Currently, the UK government imposes a reduced VAT rate of 5% on home electricity used for charging vehicles, compared to the higher VAT on public charging, making home charging a more attractive option for many drivers. However, the reliance on public charging stations often comes with higher costs, which can deter potential EV buyers.

Several councils, such as those utilizing products from companies like Kerbo Charge, have already begun installing cross-pavement charging solutions. Michael Goulden, co-founder of Kerbo Charge, stated, "It is excellent news that the government recognizes the importance of cross-pavement charging to encourage the adoption of charging for people without driveways. Having to rely on public charging is a clear barrier to adoption of EVs by people in urban areas, with energy from some rapid chargers costing more per mile than petrol."

Despite these advancements, some local authorities have expressed caution regarding the implementation of pavement gullies, citing concerns over potential trip hazards and ongoing maintenance costs. Additionally, there are ongoing discussions about the rights of residents to park outside their homes, which may complicate the rollout of this initiative.

In tandem with the pavement gully initiative, the government has also announced plans to allow signage advertising public chargers along motorways and A-roads. Delvin Lane, CEO of InstaVolt, a rapid charging provider, described the signage changes as a "crucial step" for improving consumer confidence and facilitating widespread EV adoption. He emphasized that the UK's public EV infrastructure has already been largely established and that improved visibility will enhance usage along major travel routes.

Overall, the new pavement gully initiative represents a critical move toward making electric vehicles more accessible to all drivers in England, particularly those without dedicated parking spaces. As councils begin to adopt these solutions, the implications for EV adoption in urban settings could be substantial, potentially leading to a significant reduction in carbon emissions and contributing to the UK’s climate goals.

Future projections indicate that if successful, this initiative could lead to a notable increase in electric vehicle ownership in the UK, helping to drive down greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable future. The collaboration between government bodies and local councils will be essential in determining the success of this program and its capacity to transform the EV landscape in England.