About our on-street charging pilot schemes for electric vehicles
To explore the suitability of alternative solution for local charging provision, we are undertaking product trials. Part of this involves pilot schemes of pavement cable channels. These make home charging a safer, more realistic option for the many residents who do not have the ability to park off-street, and may not feel comfortable transitioning to an electric vehicle.
These cable channels are installed in the pavement to allow the safe trailing of charging cables from property to vehicle in areas where residents predominantly have to park on-street outside their property. They are designed so that cables will not cause a trip or slip hazard.
The specifically designed channel allows residents to connect their electric vehicle to their domestic electricity supply when parked outside their homes. We understand that in some areas it can prove challenging to park outside your home, and this will also make charging more difficult. However, these channels may provide a suitable solution in lots of areas and will allow savings to be made on the cost of charging your vehicle. Undertaking trials allows us to see what works best in a variety of locations.
Kerbo Charge pilot scheme
Building on our previous pilot scheme, we are now taking forward a second trial where we are testing the Kerbo Charge cable channel. Throughout January and February 2024, we installed units in another 20 locations.
These include:
- Ampthill
- Arlesey
- Aspley Guise
- Biggleswade
- Caddington
- Dunstable
- Fairfield
- Leighton Linslade
- Stotfold
For more information on cable channels, read our FAQs.
Gul-e pilot scheme
In 2022, we trialled the Gul-e pavement channel in 20 areas. These included:
- Aspley Guise
- Biggleswade
- Brogborough
- Campton
- Dunstable
- Fairfield
- Flitwick
- Henlow
- Leighton Linslade
- Pulloxhill
Participants have provided us with their experiences of using the channel and charging at home. We are currently collating the information.
The future
Following the completion of the Kerbo Charge pilot scheme, we will compare both products and the feedback we receive from participants. This will help us understand how we move forward with pavement cable channels and electric vehicle charging infrastructure in Central Bedfordshire.
The cable channels present one small solution to the wider need for electric vehicle charging infrastructure but if the schemes are successful, we hope to be able to offer this as an option for other residents at a cost.