EVA England launches survey on cross-pavement charging

EV drivers’ association EVA England has launched a new survey to help shape the roll-out of cross-pavement charging for drivers without off-street parking.

Recent amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill include a commitment to a formal consultation on extending permitted development rights to include cross-pavement gullies. Now EVA England is seeking drivers’ experiences and views ahead of the consultation.

The amendment was secured Baroness Pidgeon as the Bill passed through the House of Lords. Along with consulting on simplified planning rights, she secured a commitment for Ministers to write to all local authorities urging them to use their own highways contractors to install these technologies –intended to reduce both costs and delays for residents.

More than 9 in 10 EV drivers surveyed by EVA England have access to a driveway, and 87% of those drivers say their EV is cheaper to run than their previous petrol or diesel car. Among drivers without a driveway, that figure drops to just 50%, largely because they are forced to rely on the more expensive public charging network for everyday charging.

Charging at home under the domestic electricity price cap costs around 26p per kWh – and with smart tariffs, some drivers pay as little as 7p per kWh – saving on average around £1,000 a year. By contrast, the average cost of charging at a slow or fast public charger is around 52p per kWh, rising to around 76p per kWh on rapid and ultra-rapid chargers.

While steps are being taken to review public charging costs and some operators offer their own discounts, EVA England says that cross-pavement charging could help millions of drivers by allowing them to charge their vehicles at domestic energy rates legally and safely.

According to EVA England, under current rules, drivers face approval processes lasting up to 15 months and installation costs of up to £3,000 for cross-pavement g, creating a “significant barrier” to switching to an EV.

It says that the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, along with £25 million in pledged Government funding, provides a “clear opportunity” to address these issues.

Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, said: “Recent progress in Parliament shows what can be achieved when drivers’ experiences are taken seriously. The commitments secured by Baroness Pidgeon are an important step towards tackling the charging divide, but policy change only works if it reflects what is actually happening on our streets.

This survey is about making sure drivers without driveways are heard as Government takes these commitments forward. Cross-pavement charging won’t be right for everyone, but where it does work it can unlock access to cheaper charging, lower running costs and one less barrier to switching to electric. We want Government and local authorities to get this right, and that starts with listening to drivers.”

Michael Goulden, Co-founder of Kerbocharge, added: “For too long, over 40% of UK homes have faced a barrier to EV ownership simply because they don’t have a driveway.

“This has left many potential EV drivers with limited options, such as paying high prices at inconvenient public charging points or sticking with polluting petrol and diesel cars, which contribute directly to the climate emergency.

“The good news is that the Government is now moving quickly to tackle the barriers, including consulting on removing the need for planning permission for home chargers, and this survey will provide vital evidence to support the changes we urgently need.”