'Charging from the kerb': Pilot scheme could let more residents charge EVs from home
BCP Council considers pavement EV charging trial to boost home charging access
A new pilot scheme could soon revolutionise how residents without driveways charge their electric vehicles as BCP Council prepares to discuss a proposal to install discreet charging gullies across pavements in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
The initiative, which goes before the council’s Cabinet later today would enable households without off-street parking to run EV charging cables safely across the pavement using embedded channels.
The aim is to allow residents to access cheaper domestic electricity rates - potentially as low as 5p per kWh - rather than relying on more expensive public chargers that can cost up to 89p per kWh.
Residents would be able to apply for the installation of a “charging gully” and a secure socket point outside their home.
We’ve been told the upfront cost of the ‘gully’ is around £600 but would be partially covered by central government grants.
The council said it’s too ‘strapped for cash’ to help fund installations but did emphasise that safety and accessibility for pedestrians remains their top priority.
“This is exactly the sort of innovative solution residents have been asking for,” said Councillor Andy Hadley. “Charging gullies could make EV ownership far more attractive to people without driveways. It’s a vital step in our wider electric vehicle strategy.”
The trial comes amid growing pressure to expand EV infrastructure in line with national targets and follows similar schemes announced by Devon and Suffolk County Councils after new government guidance was issued late last year.
Currently, BCP Council has installed 110 EV charging points in public car parks, with ambitions to expand this to 500 over the next five years.
If approved, the trial could become a model for other urban areas grappling with the challenge of providing equitable and sustainable EV charging options for all residents.