No Driveway? Here's How To Charge Your Electric Car
Key Insights
The UK's public charging network has grown 35% in one year, now exceeding 73,000 charge points across the country, making EV ownership increasingly viable for those without home charging.
Various charging options exist for driveway-less drivers: on-street residential solutions (including lamp post chargers), workplace charging, public networks, and community initiatives.
Charging costs vary significantly by charger type - slow 7kW chargers (£8.70 for 152 miles) versus medium power 60kW chargers (£25.03 for the same range), making regular charging routine planning essential.
Making the switch to an electric car is a no-brainer when you have the option to install a home charger, with two-thirds of UK homeowners having a driveway or garage. This does not - however - address the needs of drivers who do not have a driveway because they live in a flat, or a house without one.
Charging is one of the most common concerns for would-be EV drivers, and the lack of home charging compounds this issue, as drivers have to seek out alternative solutions such as public charging, workplace charging, or rapid charging options. The good news is that there are increasing opportunities for those without private parking to charge their vehicles, with ongoing efforts to expand and improve access to charging stations across the country.
Home Charging Without A Driveway: A Growing Reality for UK EV Owners
According to recent data from WhatCost, over 77% of people in the UK own a car but one-third of homes don’t have access to a private driveway. It will come as no surprise that this figure will rise considerably in cities and busy towns.
Zenith surveyed 2,800 EV customers and found that 69% rely on off-street charging at home. This highlights a potential ‘driveway divide’ between those who have off-street charging, which is significantly more affordable than public charging, and those who don’t.
As electric cars become more accessible through both more affordable new models and an expanding used EV market, EV adoption continues to rise across diverse demographics. This growing segment of driveway-less EV owners is being supported by the expanding public charging infrastructure, with particular emphasis on residential solutions. Local councils are increasingly implementing on-street charging options, with over 10,000 residential on-street chargers now installed across the UK.
The Department for Transport estimates that by 2030, when new petrol and diesel cars will no longer be sold in the UK, approximately 40-45% of EV owners will need reliable alternatives to driveway charging – highlighting why expanding charging solutions for all housing types is essential for a successful transition to electric mobility.
Running A Cable Across The Pavement To Charge My EV
Many homeowners without driveways consider running a charging cable from their home to their car parked on the street. While this might seem like a simple solution, there are important safety and legal considerations to keep in mind.
Legal Status
Running cables across public pavements is generally discouraged by local authorities. Most councils don't explicitly prohibit it, but they require residents to ensure public safety. If someone trips over your cable and is injured, you could be held liable.
Safety Requirements
If you must run a cable across a pavement, follow these safety guidelines:
Use proper cable protectors or cable covers designed for pedestrian walkways,
Only charge during low-traffic hours (typically overnight),
Choose the shortest route possible from your property to your vehicle,
Use high-visibility covers that are compliant with trip hazard regulations,
Remove the cable promptly once charging is complete,
Consider weather conditions and avoid leaving cables out during heavy rain or snow.
What If Someone Trips Over Your cable?
If someone trips over your charging cable, the consequences could be serious:
Legal liability: As the cable owner, you could face personal injury claims if someone is hurt after tripping over your cable.
Insurance implications: Standard home insurance policies may not cover incidents involving charging cables on public pavements, potentially leaving you financially exposed.
Council penalties: Local authorities could issue warnings or fines for creating a public hazard, especially if you've ignored previous guidance.
Damage to equipment: A trip incident might damage your expensive charging equipment or the vehicle itself.
To minimise these risks, consider using purpose-built cable protectors with anti-trip features, clearly marking the area with warning signs during charging, and informing neighbours about your charging setup so they're aware of the potential hazard.
Alternative Solutions
Before running cables across pavements, consider these alternatives:
Cable gullies: Small channels installed in the pavement that allow cables to run under the walking surface,
Retractable cable systems: These pull back into your property when not in use,
Lamppost charging: Request a charger on the lamppost nearest to your home,
Charge at work or nearby public chargers instead.
The safest approach is to avoid running cables across public walkways whenever possible, but if necessary, ensuring it's done in the most careful and considerate manner is essential.
Using Extension Cables To Reach And Charge Your EV
When the standard charging cable can't reach your electric vehicle, you might be tempted to use an extension cable. However, this approach comes with significant safety considerations that every EV owner should understand.
Safety Concerns With Standard Extension Cables
Regular household extension cables are not designed for EV charging and can create serious hazards:
Overheating: Standard extension cables aren't rated for the continuous high current that EV charging requires,
Fire risk: Extended use can cause cables to overheat and potentially start fires,
Damage to your vehicle: Improper power delivery can damage your car's onboard charging systems,
Electric shock risk: Using non-waterproof extensions outdoors increases the risk of electric shock, especially in wet weather.
EV-Specific Extension Options
If you absolutely must extend your charging reach, only consider solutions specifically designed for EVs:
Purpose-built EV charging extensions: These are manufactured to handle the required current and include appropriate safety features,
EV extension cables with RCD protection: These offer additional safety by cutting power in case of a fault,
Weather-resistant rated extensions: Look for IP44 or higher ratings if using outdoors.
Manufacturer Guidance
Most EV manufacturers and charger companies explicitly advise against using extension cables of any kind. Check your vehicle manual and charger documentation—using extensions often voids warranties and could affect insurance coverage.
Better Alternatives
Instead of using extension cables, consider these safer options:
Relocate your charging point to a more accessible location,
Install a second charging point closer to where you usually park,
Upgrade to a charging system with a longer cable (some offer up to 10 meters),
Use portable EV chargers with longer built-in cables when necessary.
If You Must Use An Extension
As a last resort, if you absolutely must use an extension:
Use only high-quality extensions specifically designed for EV charging,
Ensure the cable is rated for at least 32 amps (even if your charger uses less),
Verify the cable is completely uncoiled during use to prevent heat buildup,
Place the connection point off the ground and protect it from weather,
Never daisy-chain multiple extensions together,
Inspect cables before each use for damage or wear.
Remember, while extending your reach might seem convenient, the safest charging approach is always using the manufacturer-supplied equipment as intended, without modifications
Do I Need A Driveway To Get A Home Charger?
While having a driveway certainly makes home charging more straightforward, it's not an absolute requirement. There are several options available for homeowners and renters without private driveways.
Options For Homes Without Driveways
Wall-mounted chargers: If your property has an external wall adjacent to where you park on the street, you may be able to install a wall-mounted charger that extends just to the edge of your property.
Terraced house solutions: Some charger manufacturers offer specialised solutions for terraced houses, with secure cable routing systems that minimise pavement obstruction.
Cable gullies: These are small channels installed in the pavement that allow charging cables to run under the walking surface, reducing trip hazards while allowing connection from your property to the street.
Council permissions: Some local authorities are becoming more supportive of residents installing charging solutions, provided they meet safety guidelines. Always check with your council before proceeding.
Sharing A Charger with Others
Not having your own EV charger doesn't mean you can't access convenient charging. Community-based charging solutions are becoming increasingly popular across the UK.
Neighbour Sharing Arrangements
If a friend, family member, or neighbour nearby has a driveway with a charger, you could arrange to use it periodically. Many EV owners are happy to share their chargers, especially during times when they're not using them. This can be a win-win arrangement - they earn some money to offset their installation costs, while you get convenient access to reliable charging.
Formal Sharing Platforms
To make charger sharing more structured and reliable, dedicated platforms have emerged that handle all aspects of the sharing arrangement:
Matchmaking between hosts and users,
Scheduling and booking,
Secure payment processing,
Communication between parties.
Benefits Of Community Charging
Affordability: Typically cheaper than public rapid charging,
Reliability: Less competition for access compared to public chargers,
Convenience: Regular arrangements mean predictable charging times,
Community: Creates local connections and supports neighbourhood EV adoption
Public Charging Networks
The UK's public charging infrastructure continues to expand rapidly, with over 73,000 public charge points now available nationwide. This growing network provides essential backup options for home chargers.
Public chargers vary in speed and cost:
Slow (7kW): Found in residential areas and parking spaces,
Fast (22kW): Common in shopping centres and car parks,
Rapid (50-150kW): Located along major roads and motorways,
Ultra-Rapid (350kW): Emerging at strategic locations for quick top-ups.
Major networks like InstaVolt, Tesla, BP Pulse, and Gridserve offer various payment options including pay-as-you-go and subscription plans. The Electric Car Scheme's Charge Scheme allows salary sacrifice customers to save up to 50% on all charging costs.
For occasional public charging needs, apps like Zap-Map can help locate available chargers and plan longer journeys efficiently.
Other Charging Solutions: On-Street, Workplace, and Alternatives
| Charger Power Output (kW) | Slow (7kW) | Low Power (up to 22kW) | Medium Power (up to 60kW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity Cost - National Average | 24.50 pence per kWh | 24.50 pence per kWh | 70 pence per kWh |
| Charging time | 5.1h | 1.6h | 36min |
| Charging % | 0-70% | 0-70% | 0-70% |
| Range Added | 152.6 miles | 152.6 miles | 152.6 miles |
| kWh Added | 34kWh | 34kWh | 34kWh |
| Approximate Cost to Charge | £8.70 | £8.70 | £25.03 |
| Approximate Cost to Charge with The Charge Scheme | £4.35 - £6.95 | £4.35 - £6.95 | £12.52 - £20.02 |
On-Street Residential Solutions
There are a variety of solutions designed specifically for those who rely on on-street parking, such as council-led charging schemes, community initiatives, and other government support. This provides an alternative to large-scale public charging networks and is local, lower cost for drivers, and potentially more convenient.
Council-Led Charging Schemes
Many local councils across the UK are implementing schemes to make it easier for residents to charge their EVs on public streets. These schemes may involve installing dedicated charging points in residential areas where off-street parking is unavailable. Councils often consult with residents to determine the best locations for these chargers.
Check with your local council to find out what initiatives they have in place.
Lamp Post Charging Options
Some councils are also exploring the use of lamp posts as charging stations. Retrofitting street lights with charging points helps reduce the need for additional infrastructure and provides a space-saving, cost-effective way to charge your EV. Lamp post charging is ideal for areas with terraced housing - where there is less parking and pavement space.
Community Charging Initiatives
Community-driven charging solutions are emerging as another way to address the changing needs of people without driveways. In some areas, residents or local businesses may come together to fund and install shared chargers. In others, residents offer up their driveways as public charging locations when their car is not parked at home.
Government Grants and Support
To encourage the adoption of EVs, the UK government offers grants and financial support for home and public charging installations. The On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme provides funding to local councils to install charging points in residential areas, while the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme offers financial assistance for the installation of home chargers, which could be relevant for shared or communal spaces.
Workplace Charging
If you’re fortunate enough to have access to charging at your workplace, this can be a convenient way to keep your EV charged during the day. These chargers are often slower and rely on you being parked up for several hours - perfect for charging at the office.
Using a charger at your workplace means that you don’t need to rely on public chargers for your daily driving needs, and charging at work is often cheaper than using public chargers, especially if your employer covers the cost of the electricity.
How to Request Charging at Work
If your workplace doesn’t currently offer charging, it’s worth requesting it. Many employers are considering adding charging points as part of their sustainability efforts or employee benefits package. You can request your HR or facilities management team and ask about available options for funding or installation.
Salary Sacrifice Scheme Considerations
If your employer offers a salary sacrifice scheme for EVs, you may also be able to use this benefit to reduce the cost of charging. The Electric Car Scheme offers The Charge Scheme which allows drivers to save on all charging costs through salary sacrifice, making electric car charging cheaper for everyone - whether at home, the office, or in public.
Emergency Charging Options
Should the worst happen, and you run out of charge (which is increasingly uncommon), there are solutions in place to help you get moving again.
Portable chargers are a handy backup for emergency charging. These small devices can be plugged into any standard power outlet and can provide a small amount of charge when needed. While they aren't a replacement for full charging, portable chargers can give you enough juice to reach a proper charging station.
Alternatively, many breakdown services such as the AA now offer emergency EV charging as part of their package. Salary sacrifice car scheme providers such as The Electric Car Scheme offer breakdown coverage as standard.
Future Innovations in EV Charging
The future of EV charging holds exciting possibilities, with rapidly developing battery and charger technology.
Companies are developing ways to charge EVs without needing to plug them in, such as through inductive charging pads embedded in the ground. Wireless charging could completely remove the need to charge EVs as we know it.
Alternatively, battery swapping comes up from time to time - the idea being that drivers can swap their depleted battery for a fully charged one at designated stations. This could be especially useful for fleet vehicles or those on long journeys.
As battery technology improves, charging speeds are expected to increase even further - while EV range grows. This development is most likely in the short term - with cars like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 delivering a 10-80% charge in 17 minutes, with a range of up to 354 miles.
Is It Worth Owning an EV Without a Home Charger?
Owning an electric vehicle without a home charger may seem challenging at first, but with the growing availability of public charging infrastructure, workplace options, and community-driven solutions, it’s becoming increasingly feasible.
The UK’s expanding network of chargers, along with innovations like lamp-post and council-led schemes, ensure that drivers without a driveway are not left behind. With a bit of planning, managing costs, and using the right apps to find reliable chargers, making the switch to an EV is more accessible than ever.
While charging might require some extra effort, the environmental and long-term savings benefits of EV ownership make it a worthwhile investment even without the convenience of a home charger.
Last updated: 14.03.25
