EVA England has launched a survey on cross-pavement electric vehicle (EV) charging, intending to hear the experiences of drivers without off-street parking.
Previous surveys found that 50% of EV owners without driveways said their car is cheaper to run than their previous internal combustion (ICE) car, compared to 87% for those with driveways.
EVA England said the survey will help shape the next phase of home charging delivery.
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.”
The Planning and Infrastructure Bill became law last week, including a commitment to a consultation on extending permitted development rights to cross-pavement charging solutions.
It also saw Ministers write to local authorities, urging them to install cross-pavement charging solutions.
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.”
The survey is open to anyone who does not have access to off-street parking, drivers who rely on public charging and anyone who has installed or attempted to install cross-pavement charging.
Ben Macdonald, founder and managing director at 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.”
