FAQs: On-street electric vehicle charging

Is this the best solution?

This is one solution being explored to understand if it works for residents and helps people charge from home. Currently, around 30% of the UK do not have access to off-street parking and so charging at home is not a viable option and EV ownership is more challenging. We require feedback from participants on their experiences to help us understand the pros and cons of the product.

We are also working with BP Pulse to install charge points across Central Bedfordshire. The cable channels are part of a trial and are supposed to complement the wider availability of charge points. We are always looking at solutions for charging, including lamp post charging.

How can you guarantee a space outside your house?

Most on-street parking is on the public highway, so spaces can't be allocated exclusively for individuals. We recognise, that in some areas, parking outside of the home is at a premium. In these areas, this may not be a suitable way forward. In other areas, however, this isn't the case. For these, a cable channel is a potential option for electric vehicle charging that is worth exploring.

What's to stop people from cutting cables?

As is the case with electric vehicle charge points that are located on street or in car parks, there is nothing to stop the cable from being cut; although they would be cutting a mains cable, which is dangerous. The cable should be removed from the channel by the user when not in use for charging.

Does the cable channel pose a trip hazard for pedestrians, wheelchair users and prams?

The channels are purposefully designed to remove this issue and sit flush with the pavement surface to minimise the risk of anyone tripping or catching their foot or hinder people walking past or wheelchairs and prams. This approach has been developed through trials in other parts of the country which have explored a number of options with preventing a potential trip hazard being a primary concern.

Can rainwater gather in the channel and freeze in winter?

The channel is sloped, so will drain to the road. We wouldn't expect standing water to gather in the channel and freeze.

What happens if the footpath needs digging up to repair underground water, gas or telephone services?

The channel would either be removed and then re-instated once the works are completed or, in some cases, the contractor may be able to trench underneath the channel, leaving it undisturbed. Where pavements need to be resurfaced, in most instances tarmac can be laid up to each side of the channel without the need for removal.

Would we reduce the cost of dropped kerbs, so residents can have one on their own property?

The costs of a dropped kerb are set at a level where we can recover the costs. We don't envisage a circumstance where we'll be able to discount or subsidise this. Find out more about dropped kerbs.

How will it work for flats?

We're only looking at on-street parking for this pilot scheme. Usually, flats have allocated parking areas away from the public highway. We recommend residents request their management company to make arrangements for EV charge points to be installed.

Will we cover the installation cost?

This is a pilot, and we are keen to work with residents to understand the suitability of this approach moving forward. Therefore, we have funded the cost of installing the cable channels for the 20 locations in each trial. If the pilots are deemed a success, we hope to offer it as an option for eligible residents to buy, to allow them to charge at home.

Who pays for the electricity?

The cable channel allows the resident to have their own EV charge point installed on their property and they would then be responsible for paying the electricity costs to charge their car as part of their usual electricity bill. Access to home charging greatly reduces the cost of running an electric vehicle.

Does the cable have to be armoured?

The cable channel allows for a standard EV charging cable to be used. These are typically armoured. The cable would need to be removed when the vehicle isn't being charged.

What happens when the road sweeper comes along?

If the car is being charged, the cable would be shielded by the car. When not in use, the cable should be removed.

How will the channels be cleaned – will the channels fill up with dirt and get blocked?

The Gul-e channel has been designed to include a brush/bristle cover which allows access for the cable but also limits dirt from entering. The householder would be expected to flush the channel out with a brush and hose if needed. The Kerbo Charge channel has a built-in lid which limits dirt entering the channel and requires less cleaning.

How will the channels be cleaned – will the cable channel  fill up with dirt and get blocked?

The channel has been designed to include a brush/bristle cover which allows access for the cable but also limits dirt from entering. The householder would also be expected to flush the channel out with a brush and hose if needed. The Kerbo Charge channel has a built-in lid which limits dirt entering the channel and requires less clearning.

If you have no front garden, where can you install a charging unit?

You may be able to install a charging unit on the wall of your property so long as it doesn't encroach the highway. We recommended taking advice from a charge point company or an approved installer of home charge points about whether this is feasible or not.

What cable will we put in the channel?

The channel is only for the homeowner to use to charge their electric vehicle using their own charging cable.