The UK government has issued fresh guidance aimed at helping local authorities develop policies for cross-pavement EV charging solutions, which could offer a lifeline to drivers without off-street parking. The move addresses a significant barrier to home EV charging, especially for those relying solely on public chargepoints or resorting to risky practices like trailing cables across pavements.

For electric owners without driveways, charging at public points is not only less convenient but also significantly more expensive. According to data from Zapmap, public charging can cost drivers over £1,000 more annually than charging at home. This disparity has pushed some to illegally stretch cables across pavements, creating potential hazards for pedestrians.

In response, cross-pavement charging solutions are gaining traction. These involve embedding cable channels flush with the pavement surface, allowing EV owners to safely feed charging cables to their vehicles parked on the street. Trials of these systems are already underway in several areas, and the new government guidance is intended to streamline their rollout.

The Department for Transport (DfT) and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) have outlined key factors for local authorities to consider when assessing planning applications. These include the availability of on-street parking adjacent to the applicant’s property, responsibility for installation and maintenance, costs and licensing, and minimum technical standards for the charging channels.

The need for such infrastructure is pressing. According to the English Housing Survey, 32% of households in England – around eight million – do not have access to off-street parking. However, 16% (approximately four million households) do have access to suitable on-street parking, making cross-pavement charging a viable solution for many.

There are currently no government schemes open to residents and local authorities who want to boost charging infrastructure. The previous On-Street Residential Charge Point Scheme (ORCS) and Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) funds have both closed for new applications. It’s hoped that the a new scheme replacing these two will come into force in 2025.

The cost savings of home charging could make a significant difference. Zapmap figures show that drivers without home charging facilities miss out on one of the biggest financial perks of EV ownership. For some, this erodes the savings that would otherwise offset the higher purchase price of an electric vehicle compared to petrol or diesel alternatives.

New guidelines are aimed at standardising kerbside charging systems and making it easier for residents to install