EVA England has launched a national survey on cross-pavement charging to capture the experiences of drivers without access to off-street parking.
The survey follows progress in Parliament on tackling the UK’s growing charging divide between those using driveways and those reliant on the public charging network.
Baroness Pidgeon secured two amendments to the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, including a formal consultation on extending permitted development rights to cross-pavement charging solutions, and ministers writing to local authorities urging them to use their own highways contractors to install these technologies.
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. But for drivers without a driveway, it drops to 50%, due to reliance on the public charging network.
Charging at home costs around 26p per kWh and potentially as little 7p per kWh on smart tariffs, saving EV drivers on average around £1,000 a year. A slow or fast public charger is around 52p per kWh, rising to around 76p per kWh on rapid and ultra-rapid chargers.
Cross-pavement charging and charge sharing therefore offers an opportunity for on-street drivers to access cheaper rates. Drivers have been reluctant to uptake such solutions due to approval processes lasting up to 15 months and installation costs of up to £3,000.
The Government has launched a new £25m cross-pavement charging fund, increasing the number of authorities willing to trial these technologies and reducing installation costs further.
Against this backdrop, EVA England is launching this survey to ensure that drivers’ lived experiences remain central as these policy commitments and consultations are turned into practical delivery on the ground.
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 Kerbo Charge, said:
“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.”
Ben Macdonald, Founder and Managing Director of Nodum, said:
“Support for cross pavement solutions is a critical part helping to ensure a more just transition. Given the diversity of the British built environment and the variety of driver needs it is crucial to have a wider range of options to help keep charging costs lower.
“This survey from EVA England will play a vital role in developing a more nuanced understanding of the needs of British drivers”.
The survey is open to drivers who do not have access to off-street parking, those who currently rely on public charging, and residents who have installed – or attempted to install – a cross-pavement solution.
Responses will be used to inform EVA England’s ongoing policy work and engagement with Government, local authorities and industry.
EVA England is encouraging anyone driving or considering an EV without a driveway, or anyone exploring cross-pavement charging, to take part and share their experience.
