Charging at home – Where is my nearest public Electric Vehicle (EV) charge point?
Charge point maps by Zap-Map show where the nearest charge point is located and allows you to check which charge points are available across Staffordshire allowing you to plan your journey.
Charging at home - EV charging cable crossing the pavement or Cross-Pavement Solutions (Cable Gully Systems)
On 24 December 2024, the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) published new guidance about cross-pavement charging for electric vehicles.
The guidance explains ways that people without a driveway may be able to charge an electric vehicle from their home without creating obstacles on the pavement.
Right now, Staffordshire County Council does not allow people to run cables across pavements or use things like cable covers or channels for electric cars. This is because they can be dangerous and could get in the way of people using the pavement, especially those who have trouble seeing or walking.
Under the Highways Act 1980, action may be taken to remove cables that are deemed unsuitable or unsafe.
We know that more people are interested in electric vehicle charging options near their homes.
Recently, the council invited survey responses from the public to understand the needs and demands for Cross-Pavement (EV Gully) infrastructure. The data is now being analysed. A report will be presented to the Council in the future.
The council is also keeping an eye on trials taking place in other parts of the country. This will help us understand how well different charging solutions work and what effect they have on local areas.
At the moment, Staffordshire County Council does not allow residents to install their own electric vehicle (EV) charging points or associated EV infrastructure (Charging cables, EV Gullies or protective mats etc) on public roads if they do not have a driveway or private parking space.
If this rule changes in the future, residents would need to apply for planning permission before installing a charging point on their property. The application would be considered by the Local Planning Authority.
Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund Allocation
Staffordshire County Council knows that some people do not have a driveway or a private parking space where they can charge an electric car at home.
The council is working with other organisations and local councils to make a plan for using funding that has been given to Staffordshire.
The money will help provide easy-to-use electric vehicle charging points across the county. This will include charging points in towns, villages and rural areas, as well as community charging hubs that can be used by local residents.
Other EV Charging Options
A growing option for charging at home is to use shared charging networks. These let people use someone else’s private charger, usually on a driveway or car park, for a small fee. This means no cables have to cross pavements. The council does not suggest any one service, but some examples are listed here:
Further information
Email: electricvehicles@staffordshire.gov.uk
Call our contact centre: 0300 111 8000