Can Cross-Pavement Charging Gullies Really Make EV Ownership Easier for Everyone?
If you’ve ever eyed an electric car but balked at the thought of running a charging cable across a busy pavement, you’re not alone. For millions of UK households without driveways, charging an EV at home has felt out of reach—until now. The government’s recent £25 million grant to support cross-pavement charging gullies is making waves, promising a future where more people can plug in right outside their front door. But is this the game-changer it’s cracked up to be, or are there hidden hurdles waiting in the wings?
What Problem Are Charging Gullies Trying to Solve?
Let’s start with the basics: about nine million UK homes don’t have off-street parking. That’s a huge chunk of the population who can’t just pop their car on a driveway and charge overnight. Instead, they’re left relying on public charging points, which are often more expensive and less convenient. The new gully schemes aim to change that by installing covered channels in pavements, letting residents safely run a charging cable from their home to their car parked on the street.
It sounds simple, but the impact could be massive. According to the Department for Transport, access to affordable, convenient home charging is one of the top barriers to EV adoption. If these gullies can deliver, they might just tip the scales for thousands of would-be electric car owners.
How Are Local Councils Rolling Out These Schemes?
Several councils have already jumped on board, using government funding to launch pilot projects. Take Oxfordshire County Council, for example: they’ve earmarked £700,000 for 500 gullies and additional support for home chargers. Councillor Judy Roberts, who heads up the environment team, points out that a third of households in Oxfordshire lack off-street parking. She believes this initiative could finally give residents the confidence to make the switch to electric.
Down on the south coast, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is following suit. With nearly 30% of households in their area unable to park off-street, the demand is clear. But as Councillor Andy Hadley notes, the system isn’t perfect. Residents will still need to secure a parking spot within reach of their cable, which could mean negotiating with neighbors or facing a daily game of musical chairs.
Are There Practical Challenges to Using Charging Gullies?
Here’s where things get tricky. While the idea of a neat, covered channel for your charging cable is appealing, it doesn’t magically guarantee a parking space outside your home. In busy neighborhoods, finding a spot close enough to your gully could be a daily headache. Some suppliers, like Kerbo Charge, argue that most cables can reach an adjoining space, but that’s not always a given—especially on crowded streets.
There’s also the question of cost. Even with government support, residents aren’t off the hook financially. In Oxfordshire’s scheme, for instance, households pay £300 for a two-year license, then £100 per year after that to cover operating costs. If you move or stop using the gully, you’re responsible for reinstating the pavement. And don’t expect to DIY the installation—councils insist on handling it themselves for safety reasons, ruling out cheaper private options.
Is It Worth the Investment for Households?
It’s easy to see why some people are skeptical. After all, these costs add up, and the convenience factor depends heavily on your parking situation. But there’s another side to the story. Charging at home is significantly cheaper than relying on public chargers—sometimes by as much as 50%, according to recent data from the RAC Foundation. Over a year, the savings could offset the annual fees for the gully, making it a smart long-term investment for regular EV drivers.
Plus, there’s the bigger picture: more home charging means less pressure on public infrastructure, fewer emissions from petrol and diesel cars, and a smoother path to meeting the UK’s ambitious climate targets.
What Do Experts and Early Adopters Say?
Industry experts generally agree that while charging gullies aren’t a silver bullet, they’re a step in the right direction. Dr. Colin Herron, a visiting professor of electric vehicle infrastructure at Newcastle University, points out that “no single solution will fit every street or household, but a mix of options—including gullies, lamppost chargers, and community hubs—will be essential.”
Early adopters in pilot areas have reported mixed experiences. Some love the convenience and cost savings, while others have struggled with parking logistics or unexpected fees. The consensus? It’s not perfect, but it’s progress.
What Should You Consider Before Applying for a Gully Scheme?
If you’re thinking about joining a pilot scheme or lobbying your council for one, here are a few things to weigh up:
– Parking reliability: Are you likely to get a spot near your home most nights?
– Upfront and ongoing costs: Can you absorb the license and annual fees, and will the savings on charging make up for them?
– Neighborhood cooperation: Are your neighbors supportive, or could competition for spaces cause friction?
– Long-term plans: If you’re planning to move soon, it might not be worth the hassle.
The Bottom Line: A Step Forward, But Not a Cure-All
Cross-pavement charging gullies are an innovative answer to a real-world problem, and for many households, they could finally make EV ownership practical and affordable. But they’re not a universal fix. The success of these schemes will hinge on local parking realities, fair pricing, and ongoing support from councils and communities.
If you’re one of the millions without a driveway, keep an eye on your local council’s plans. The landscape for EV charging is changing fast, and while gullies might not be perfect, they’re a sign that solutions are on the way. For now, it’s about finding what works for you—and staying plugged in to the latest developments.