Electric vehicle charging without a drive
Charge an EV without a drive or private off-street parking
Most people with private off-street parking like to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at home, as it is usually the cheapest and most convenient option. Don’t worry if you don’t have a drive or off-street parking – you still have options.
Trailing a charging cable across the pavement from your house is not permitted. Even when a mat covers the cable, it is still a potential hazard and can also make access more difficult for disabled and vulnerable groups. If an injury occurs, you may be subject to a liability claim.
Option 1: EV cable channel
This is a purpose-built channel installed in the pavement that allows an EV charging cable to be safely connected between a home EV charger and an EV parked at the kerbside.
You cannot install one yourself – you must apply to us.
Not every property will be suitable for an EV cable channel, and we will need to visit to check for safety and suitability.
If approved, you will need to organise and pay for your planning application and the cost of a home EV charger. There are currently grants available from central government for households with on-street parking towards these costs.
There will also be other costs that you need to consider and arrange:
• the installation and maintenance of the EV cable channel itself
• annual electrical safety checks
• insurance to cover any accidents related to your use of the EV cable channel.
Top ten things to consider about getting an EV cable channel
Sign up to receive more information.
Option 2: Public EV chargers in Oxfordshire
We’re increasing the number of public EV chargers across the county. We particularly want to provide access for the 30-40 per cent of residents who can’t easily charge an EV at home.
It’s part of our commitment to deliver 1,200 new public EV chargers by the end of 2027. This will include EV charging hubs in council and community-run car parks, as well as some roadside chargers where not enough suitable off-street car park locations are available.
Find out the locations of public EV charging points
Check regularly as it’s kept constantly updated with the latest information.
Got an idea for a new EV charging location?
We don’t respond to direct requests for EV chargers in particular locations, but you can use this handy mapping tool to tell us where you think public EV charging hubs and roadside EV chargers could go. We’ll use this to help inform future planning.
Option 3: Sharing an EV charger
More and more people are opening access to their home chargers to other residents.
Find out who is sharing their EV charger near you – or sign up to share your own EV charger on Co-Charger, Just Charge and Joosup.
Option 4: Driving a shared electric vehicle
You don’t necessarily need to own your own EV to be able to drive one.
EV car clubs such as Co Wheels, Enterprise CarClub or Zimbl provide an easy and flexible way to drive electric.
You can also find out whether any of your neighbours are sharing their own private EVs on platforms like Hiyacar or Turo.