Electric vehicle (EV) charging channels questions and answers
Is this the best solution?
It’s one of several ways we’re helping people charge electric vehicles. We are working with Charge Point Operators to put public charge points in car parks, on streets, at community buildings and in lampposts.
Around 37% of homes in Central Bedfordshire don’t have a driveway or off-street parking. EV charging channels help more people charge at home.
How does an EV charging channel work?
To use a channel:
- open the lid at one end
- push your charging cable into the channel bit by bit
- the lid will close behind the cable
To remove the cable, pull it out from one end.
What type of cable fits in the channel?
The channel fits standard EV charging cables (usually Type 2), up to 22mm wide. These are often the cables that come with your vehicle or home charge point. The channel is for your use only. You must remove the cable when you’re not charging.
What if someone parks outside the house?
You can’t reserve the space outside. If someone is parked there, you’ll need to wait or ask them to move. If your cable is long enough, you might be able to use one space either side of the parked vehicle. The cable must stay tight to the kerb and must not go across the pavement or cause a trip hazard to people walking in between vehicles.
In some areas where parking is difficult, EV charging channels might not work well. In other places, they could be a good option.
How long does installation take?
About 2 hours.
Can we install one through a grass verge?
Maybe. We’ll need to check first. It takes longer and may cost more. Read out guidance document for more detailed information.
Is the channel strong?
Yes. It’s made from UV stable rigid PVC, the same material used by water companies for their utility covers. It’s been tested and is strong enough to walk or drive over. It meets UK and European safety standards.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes. Kerbo Charge gives a 10-year product guarantee. We give a 3-year guarantee for the installation.
Who looks after the channel?
You need to keep it clean and use it properly. We’ll repair it if needed, as it’s on the public highway.
What if you move house?
Tell us and Kerbo Charge at least 3 months before you move. You can’t take the channel with you unless you pay for it to be moved and reinstalled somewhere else in Central Bedfordshire. The channel may make your home more attractive to buyers.
Do we install a charge point on the wall?
No. You’ll need to arrange and pay for this. We strongly suggest using a professional installer. Your system must include PEN fault protection.
Kerbo Charge offers a Safe Socket with this protection. You can get a 3kW or 7kW version. These are safe and don’t need planning permission. They follow UK safety rules.
What if you rent your home?
You’ll need your landlord’s permission before applying for an EV charging channel. You must show us written proof from them. You don’t need to install the charge point before applying.
What if you live in a flat?
EV charging channels won’t usually work for flats, unless you’re on the ground floor and have parking near the street. Most flats have parking away from the road. You could ask your building manager to look into installing dedicated EV charge points.
Will we ask for feedback?
Yes. We want to know what you think about the channel, the ordering journey, the installation and your overall experience. This helps us improve.
Is the channel safe for people walking over it?
Yes. The lid sits flush with the pavement to remove the trip hazard. Other options like cable covers or mats are not as safe, especially for wheelchair users, people with prams, or those with sight or mobility issues.
What if the pavement needs digging up?
In many cases, workers can dig under the channel. If not, they’ll remove it and put it back later. There are clear rules they must follow. If the pavement is being resurfaced, most of the time the tarmac can go around the channel.
Can someone cut the cable?
Like with public chargers, it is possible. But the cable carries electricity and cutting it is dangerous. Always remove the cable when you’re not using it.
Will the channel fill with water or freeze?
No. Pavements usually slope toward the road, so water drains away. The lid also helps keep water and debris out.
Will we pay for the channel?
No. You will need to pay for the channel and installation. In the past, we paid for some trials to test how well the channels worked. Now we’re offering them as part of a bigger trial. You pay a discounted rate, but we still collect feedback to help improve the process.
Who pays for the electricity?
You do. The electricity is added to your normal bill. Charging at home is cheaper than using public charge points.
Will we lower the cost of dropped kerbs?
No. Dropped kerb prices are set to cover our costs. We don’t plan to offer discounts.
What if the channel gets full of dirt?
The lid keeps most dirt out. But you must still clean the channel so your cable fits and the lid closes properly.
What if you don’t have a front garden?
You may still be able to install a charge point on your wall if it doesn’t stick out onto the pavement. Speak to a professional installer to check if this will work for you.