EV charging trial for homes without driveways

A trial aimed at helping people without driveways charge electric vehicles at home could be rolled out in Kirklees.

The proposed 12-month pilot would see special channels installed beneath pavements, allowing charging cables to run safely between homes and vehicles parked on the street.

Kirklees Council is expected to receive up to £330,000 towards the scheme through funding secured by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA).

Councillor John Hardie said the plans would provide a "safe and practical charging solution" for residents without access to off-street parking. If approved the trial is expected to begin later this year.

The scheme would allow households with on-street parking to install cross-pavement charging channels, removing the need for cables to trail across pavements.

WYCA secured £1.5m from the Department for Transport to support the installation of the channels across the region.

Kirklees Council said the funding would "significantly reduce" the amount residents would have to pay to take part in the pilot.

The channels would be designed, installed and managed by Kerbo Charge Ltd, which already operates similar schemes in Leeds and Bradford.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, residents would pay £999 plus VAT for the channel installation, together with a £75 council application fee and a £297 licence fee, with charges reviewed annually.

People wishing to take part would need to apply to the council, with applications assessed against eligibility and suitability criteria before approval is granted.

Hardie, the council's cabinet member for regeneration, transport and highways, said households without driveways often had to rely on commercial charging points, which "can be more expensive than charging at home".

He said: "In contrast, residents with a driveway benefit from lower domestic electricity tariffs and the convenience of charging their vehicle from their own home.

"This trial would help address that imbalance by providing a safe and practical charging solution for residents who don't have access to off-street parking."

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