- West Berkshire Council implements Kerbo Charge through-pavement EV charging, offering residents a cheaper, more convenient home charging option.
- Kerbo Charge saves residents £1,100 annually and reduces CO2 emissions, with installation grants available.
- Residents praise the system’s safety and convenience, encouraging EV adoption among those without driveway parking.
West Berkshire Council is embracing on-street charging with Kerbo Charge
West Berkshire Council has become the first in the UK to trial and implement through-pavement EV charging. This scheme will save residents £1,100 annually compared to public charging, all at no cost to the council.
The Kerbo Charge system, now available to all residents, allows those without driveways to charge their EVs from their home supply. It’s a great way to encourage further adoption, as home charging works out five to ten times cheaper than public charging in most cases.
Councillor Stuart Gourley, Executive Member for the Environment and Highways at West Berkshire Council, commented:
“We are excited to offer this groundbreaking solution to our residents with Kerbo Charge. It not only makes EV ownership more accessible but also supports our commitment to improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.”
The system is straightforward: residents insert their charging cable into a specially designed channel. The channel’s lid then closes, eliminating the risk of hazardous cables stretching across footpaths.
Clare Fox from Kintbury, a user since October 2023, endorsed the initiative:
“We’re really happy with our Kerbo Charge channel as it means we can now safely charge our EV at home. I’d recommend it for anyone without driveway parking.”
Charging at home proves to be much more economical. Public chargers cost more per mile than petrol, but with the Kerbo Charge system, residents can charge off-peak for as little as 7.5p per kWh or 7p per mile. This cost efficiency makes EV ownership considerably more appealing.
Michael Goulden, CEO and Co-founder of Kerbo Charge said:
“This is a very exciting moment – I think we’re now going to see widespread adoption of EVs by West Berkshire residents who don’t have access to a driveway and until now didn’t have the confidence to move away from petrol/diesel cars.”
The installation cost is £999, but residents can reduce this by applying for a £350 government grant. Residents interested in the scheme can visit the council’s website to place their orders. Local authorities across the UK are stepping up and rolling out much-needed EV infrastructure. You may remember Kerbo Charge’s success on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. With the successful completion of this trial, the business is set for fantastic continued growth.
