Electric Vehicle Cross Pavement Charging Channels

Warwickshire County Council asked residents for their views on electric vehicle charging gullies, which could provide a home-charging option for people who have no off-street parking.

The countywide engagement was conducted through Ask Warwickshire, supported by paper questionnaires and alternative response formats. It explored residents’ awareness of and interest in EV gullies, their parking and property circumstances, potential concerns, preferred payment arrangements and views on how limited grant funding should be allocated. The engagement ran from 8 April to 24 May 2026.

A total of 323 responses were received. The responses demonstrated strong interest among residents for whom an EV gully may provide a practical charging option. The subsequent briefing identified 78 respondents who both owned an electric vehicle and parked on-street.

Among eligible respondents:

· 96% expressed an interest in an EV gully;

· upfront payment was preferred to a monthly subscription;

· 71% of those willing to make an upfront contribution expected to pay no more than £500; and

· around half were unwilling to pay a monthly charge, while those willing to do so generally expected it to be below £10 per month.

For allocating grant funding, 37% of all respondents supported targeting particular groups or those with greater need, while 34% preferred a first come, first served approach. Other responses commonly suggested prioritisation based on need, location or lack of off-street parking.

Overall, the findings showed strong interest in having the option available, but also indicated that affordability is likely to influence take-up.

The Council considered the engagement findings when reviewing how an EV charging gully service might be delivered. In particular, the findings reinforced the need to seek an affordable resident offer while avoiding an open-ended Council subsidy or maintenance liability.

Approval has now been given to progress a procurement exercise. The procurement may result in the appointment of one or more suppliers and will test whether the market can provide a service that:

· offers residents a practical and affordable route to home charging;

· uses the available government grant to reduce eligible installation costs;

· meets appropriate highway, safety, accessibility and technical requirements;

· provides clear arrangements for installation, inspection, maintenance, repair and removal; and

· protects the Council from disproportionate long-term costs and liabilities.

The agreed approach is to progress procurement for one or more suppliers capable of operating a supplier-led model. Further consideration will also be given to how grant funding should be prioritised, informed by costs and factors including geography and rurality.

Progressing to procurement does not approve a named supplier, final contract, fixed resident price or guaranteed number of installations. A further decision will be required once the procurement outcome, proposed costs and delivery arrangements are known.

For further information please contact the Transport Strategy and Policy team using electricvehicles@warwickshire.gov.uk