On-street EV charging in UK is postcode lottery as drivers face council objections
Summary
The UK government is trying to make it easier for people to charge electric cars parked on the street by using special charger gullies. However, many local councils, especially in London, are still not allowing cables to cross sidewalks due to safety and access concerns, which limits the use of this cheaper charging method for many households without private parking.Key Facts
- Energy Secretary Ed Miliband supports charger gullies to reduce costs for electric vehicle (EV) drivers.
- Over 20 local councils, including many in London, do not allow charging cables across pavements.
- London has the most electric cars and the most households without off-street parking in the UK.
- Charging EVs at home using domestic electricity is cheaper because VAT on electricity is 5%, compared to 20% on public chargers.
- About 9.3 million UK households lack off-street parking, making street charging important.
- Gully makers say their products create safe cable channels that do not cause trip hazards.
- Councils oppose gullies due to concerns about safety, liability, parking, and pavement damage.
- The government removed the need for planning permission for gullies but local councils still control street work licenses, causing delays.
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