The UK government has launched a £25 million grant to help local councils install pavement channels for electric vehicle (EV) charging cables, aiming to support residents without off-street parking. The new initiative forms part of a wider £63 million package announced in July to accelerate the country’s transition to electric mobility.
Known as the Pavement Channels Grant, the programme supports the installation of in-ground cable channels that allow households to run EV charging cables safely from their homes to roadside vehicles. The scheme targets urban and suburban areas where private driveways are not available, helping to bridge the access gap in residential charging.
To qualify for the grant, residents must live in participating areas and have planning permission for cross-pavement charging. The Department for Transport (DfT) said further details on how local authorities can apply, as well as a timeline for funding availability, will be issued later this year.
According to the DfT, the scheme could reduce charging costs for EV users by up to £1,500 annually, compared to fuelling a petrol or diesel car, by enabling access to lower residential electricity tariffs. The pavement channel concept was piloted in London last year and is now set for national rollout.
“The EVPC grant is a welcome complement to existing funding schemes, such as the LEVI scheme, helping residents without access to off-street parking make the switch to an electric vehicle,” said Hugh Pickerill, programme manager for EV Grants and Infrastructure at the Energy Saving Trust. “We look forward to providing further guidance and supporting local authorities in delivering this grant across the country.”