Making EV charging accessible for all UK households

From policy to practice: making EV charging accessible for all UK households

The UK’s transition to EVs (electric vehicles) has reached a critical turning point with the Department for Transport and Office for Zero Emission Vehicles releasing comprehensive cross-pavement charging guidelines. This development directly addresses one of the most significant barriers to EV adoption: providing charging solutions for the approximately 8 million households without off-street parking.

The guidance is designed to help local authorities in England to develop policies about the safe and effective use of cross-pavement solutions.

Through our extensive work supporting local authorities in their net zero transition, we’ve witnessed first-hand how the lack of accessible charging infrastructure has hindered EV adoption. While the technical challenges are significant, the complexities extend into questions of departmental responsibilities, safety concerns and public liability. The new government guidance, coupled with innovative local authority initiatives, now provides a clear pathway for implementing practical solutions.

The financial case for this development is compelling. According to Zapmap data, EV drivers relying solely on public charging points spend over £1,000 more annually compared to those with home charging capabilities. The new guidelines help address this disparity through clear frameworks for approving and managing cross-pavement installations, supported by the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund and resident grants of up to £350.

Several local authorities are already leading the way with innovative solutions.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Gul-e project, developed in collaboration with ODS, has pioneered the implementation of EV charging gullies. This solution has been successfully trialled in other regions, including Bedfordshire and LB Bromley, demonstrating its scalability and cost-effectiveness. Similarly, Milton Keynes City Council’s partnership with Kerbo Charge for cable channel installations showcases how local authorities can work with innovative companies to provide practical solutions for residents.

Local Partnerships has been actively supporting local authorities through research, expert workshops, and dedicated task groups.

The government’s guidance complements these efforts by resolving a crucial operational challenge: the uncertainty about which department should lead implementation, whether highways, climate teams, or planning departments. We’ve observed numerous instances where project delivery stalled owing to internal uncertainties about risk ownership and liability. The guidance now provides the necessary structure for establishing clear leadership pathways and accountability frameworks, enabling more efficient responses to public inquiries and faster project implementation.

Looking ahead, industry leaders anticipate widespread adoption of these solutions, with companies like Charge Gully predicting a nationwide rollout in 2025. This development not only democratises EV adoption but also supports broader environmental goals by preventing unnecessary conversion of front gardens into driveways and enabling access to smart charging capabilities that optimise renewable energy usage. 

The convergence of clear government guidance, innovative local authority initiatives, and practical implementation support marks a significant milestone in the UK’s journey toward sustainable transportation. For millions of households previously facing barriers to EV adoption, the path to electric mobility is now becoming clearer and more accessible than ever before.

If your local authority would like support with EV charging or cross pavement solutions, please get in touch.