Electric vehicle (EV) cable channels
Things to consider before applying for an EV cable channel.
- No off-road parking: Only people without access to off-road parking, such as a driveway, garage or parking court can apply for an EV cable channel. Some other restrictions may apply.
- Safe and legal roadside parking: We can only install a cable channel in the footway directly outside your house, where there are no parking restrictions, and your EV can be parked in line with the Highway Code while you charge.
- Parking and charging: Installing an EV cable channel does not give you any rights to reserve parking. Most people find they only need to charge their car once a week, but you should consider how often you might need to charge, and whether you can access the cable channel often enough to meet your needs.
- No grass verges or obstructions: Currently, we can’t install an EV cable channel into a grass verge because the channel needs to be securely installed into a hard surface. We also can’t install a cable channel where there are trees, cycle parking, barriers, or other obstructions in the footway.
- Permission from the property owner: You need permission from the owner of the building where you live to install a home EV charger before you can apply for an EV cable channel.
- Your EV charging equipment: You will need to install a compliant home EV charger and use it with the correct size of EV charging cable. When it is installed, your charger must not overhang the pavement and must be outside with 24-hour access in case of an emergency. Before you apply, you should check with a registered electrician or EV charger installer to ensure that your charger meets the specifications.
- Planning permission: You need to apply to your district council for planning permission to install your home EV charger after receiving conditional approval for your EV cable channel from Oxfordshire County Council. When applying for an EV cable channel, you should consider the cost and time needed to get your planning permission.
- Using the channel responsibly: It’s your responsibility to use your EV cable channel safely and responsibly, following the instructions and terms of your EV cable channel user licence. You must remove your EV cable from the channel immediately after use, check your EV charging equipment regularly, and keep the channel clean and free of debris.
- Liability and Insurances: You will be liable for any accidents or incidents caused by using the EV cable channel, your EV charging cable or home EV charger. You must ensure that your home and/or car insurance covers you against any claims made against you (see specification for more details).
- Costs:
- Initial costs: You will need to pay £300 to the county council to install your EV cable channel and your first two years of licence fees. You should consider other initial costs like planning application fees and home EV charger installation.
- Ongoing costs: Be prepared to pay an annual licence fee of around £100 after the second year, along with other costs like public liability insurance, and annual electrical safety testing. If you choose to stop using your EV cable channel, you will also need to pay a fee to cover the cost of disabling the channel to prevent unauthorised use.