Plymouth has installed its first electric vehicle (EV) pavement channel as part of a pioneering trial to make home charging safer and more accessible for residents without off-street parking. Funded through the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, the scheme allows households to run a charging cable from their property across the pavement via a specially designed channel, reducing trip hazards and supporting the city’s growing EV community.

Around 37 per cent of Plymouth households lack off-street parking, which has been a significant barrier to EV adoption. This trial aims to remove that obstacle and encourage more people to switch to cleaner transport. Up to 100 pavement channels will be installed across the city, alongside 600 new on-street and car park chargers.

The Council will monitor the trial closely to ensure installations are safe, practical, and maintainable, using the findings to inform future policy and infrastructure development. With one in four new cars sold in the UK now fully electric, Plymouth’s efforts are a vital part of the transition to net-zero transport.

Read more at Plymouth City Council.