Cross-pavement charging solution firm Kerbo Charge has worked with Leeds City Council on a trial which has made EV charging easier for residents without driveways.
The firm highlighted local resident Ian Newbold, who formerly had to drive one mile to his nearest chargepoint, and charge at prices similar to the price of petrol.
But this changed when Leeds City Council began a trial of Deborah Meaden-backed British start-up Kerbo Charge and its cross-pavement channel was installed outside Newbold’s house.
When it’s time to charge, he inserts his cable and the specially-designed lid closes behind like a zip — keeping pavements trip-free. Kerbo Charge is designed and manufactured in the UK and flexes to fit the natural shape of our not-so-flat pavements.
Newbold said that, prior to the installation, there was “simply no way I could recommend an electric car to any of my neighbours – the hassle and cost of using public chargers was just too much”.
Now charging from home has been transformational for Newbold, Kerbo Charge said, because residents can fully charge their car for just 7p / kWh, meaning they can drive from Leeds to London for less than £5, versus the approximate £30 it would cost at a public charge point.
Cllr Jane Dowson, Deputy Executive Member, said:
“You just have to listen to any of the reports [about public charging], and the thing that worries people the most is the cost and finding a charger. Being able to charge outside your home is going to be a game-changer. And this isn’t just about convenience — kerbside charging is a vital part of delivering our Connecting Leeds transport strategy. By giving people who don’t have driveways fair access to reliable charging, we’re helping more residents make the switch to cleaner, greener vehicles.
“With transport emissions making up such a big part of our city’s carbon footprint, expanding local charging options is essential to reducing pollution and improving air quality for everyone. This simple step on our streets supports our wider ambition for a healthier, more inclusive, low‑carbon Leeds.”
Cllr Jonathan Pryor, executive member for economy, transport and sustainable development, said:
“Making EV charge points more accessible for those without a driveway is an essential step to reducing our cities emissions and a key part of our Connecting Leeds transport strategy. I’m delighted to see that Leeds has become the first city in Yorkshire to make cross-pavement charging available. By making at home charging more accessible, we will encourage more people to switch to cleaner emission vehicles.”
Kerbo Charge Co-Founder Michael Goulden said:
“Congratulations to Leeds City Council for being the first local authority in Yorkshire to make cross-pavement charging available – we’ve had over 60 applications in 4 weeks so this is going to be very popular across the city.”
Image: From left to right: Ian Moore, Leeds City Council Highways, Councillor Jane Dowson, Ben Whitaker from Kerbo Charge and resident Ian Newbold.
