Streets set for pavement EV charging trial

A system to allow residents to charge electric vehicles via a pavement gully could be introduced to streets in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole.

The gullies allow residents without off-street parking to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) through cables embedded in the pavements.

Individual residents pay for their gully and charging socket, but the cost can be partially off-set by a central Government grant.

Andy Hadley, BCP Council's portfolio holder for environment described it as an "innovative solution". A trial is due to be discussed by the council cabinet.

Using cable channels embedded within the pavement means EV owners are able to use cheaper, domestic energy supply as opposed to relying on commercial chargers.

By charging vehicles using the domestic energy supply, costs can be as low as 5p per kWh, compared to up to 89p per kWh at a public charging station.

Other local authorities, including Devon County Council and Suffolk County Council, have already announced their own trials following national guidance issued by the government.

Mr Hadley said: "Charging gullies could make owning an electric vehicle a more attractive option for residents that do not have off-street parking.

"This is exactly the sort of innovative solution that residents have been asking us to provide and is an important part of our wider EV strategy.

"In addition to making car at-home charging more accessible, we are committed to rolling out more convenient public charging points."

He said the council wanted to ensure the gullies did not take space or create trip hazard for pedestrians.

The trial is due to be discussed by the cabinet on 16 July, and if successful, could be rolled out across the three towns.

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