Among the advantages of charging your electric vehicle at home are the convenience and the lower costs of charging using cheaper electric tariffs.
It makes sense to have an EV charger installed at home, but where should you install it if you don’t have a garage or a suitable driveway?
If you only have access to on-street parking, there are additional considerations to take into account before you do.
The most important factor is where the charging cable will go. If you’re charging your car on the kerbside, this is called cross-pavement charging.
What are the rules around cross-pavement EV charging?
The Highways Act 1980, under Section 162, states that a person cannot place a rope or wire across a highway or pavement that could cause a danger to people using it unless all necessary attempts have been made to warn or mitigate that danger.
If not done properly and found liable, the offence can come with a fine.
There are, however, ways to avoid both accidents and fines with cross-pavement charging solutions. UK government guidance currently suggests two options:
Cable channels or gullies in the pavement
These are shallow channels sunk into the pavement which can house the charge cable. They should only be used while the car is being charged and removed afterwards. this has the advantage of reducing the possibility of people tripping over the charging cable.
Permanent under-pavement cables
These are designed to be installed alongside removable chargepoints. The chargers sit like bollards on the pavement while charging and are removed after. This method would need planning permission to install.
Are there other cross-pavement charging solutions?
Official guidance on cross-pavement charging does not include charging bridges or cable arms which suspend the cable over the pavement.
It also does not include temporary cable protectors marked with hi-vis yellow, although these may be allowed by some local authorities.
In each case, it is always best to check with your local authority or council on the planning rules, as permits vary depending on the area.
Want to find out more? Talk to us at EcoCharge Wheels about your options for installing a new EV charging box at home.
