Oxfordshire net-zero funding for Gul-e retrofit heat network

Welcome to Net Zero News, where we bring you the latest developments driving the UK’s transition to a net-zero future. In a significant step towards decarbonising transport, Net Zero News can reveal that Oxfordshire County Council has awarded a contract to ODS for the installation of up to 500 Gul-e cross-pavement electric vehicle charging units across residential streets.

Net Zero News understands this forms part of a new kerbside charging initiative launched by Oxfordshire County Council in July. Under the contract, which remains open for applications, ODS will deploy Gul-e chargers directly across pavements, providing trip-free, safe access to power for electric vehicles parked on-street outside people’s homes.

The Gul-e system is designed to bridge the gap between off-street and on-street charging, delivering power via a flat, weather-resistant cable that runs beneath the pavement surface into a standard home socket. This approach avoids trailing cables across walkways and upholds pedestrian safety standards. With each unit capable of delivering a typical 3.6 kW domestic charging rate, Gul-e installations offer a practical solution for households without private driveways.

Net Zero News understands that the roll-out of these cross-pavement chargers is aligned with Oxfordshire’s Transport Strategy and supports the council’s ambition to reduce local transport emissions by 60 percent by 2030. By providing accessible charging infrastructure, the initiative also aims to accelerate EV uptake in the county, where one in four homes currently lacks off-street parking.

In a significant step towards the UK’s net-zero goals, the project could deliver measurable reductions in transport-related carbon emissions. On-street residential charging is expected to cut vehicle mileage associated with detours to public charging hubs, thereby lowering overall energy demand. Moreover, the initiative is projected to generate local employment through the recruitment of installation technicians, project managers and maintenance teams.

Net Zero News understands that the contract between Oxfordshire County Council and ODS encompasses both supply and installation of the Gul-e units. While the council has not disclosed the total contract value, it has emphasised the project’s eligibility for Government funding streams that support on-street residential charging installations. ODS, which specialises in turnkey EV charging solutions, will collaborate with local authorities to secure any additional grants required to underwrite the full roll-out.

Net Zero News can reveal that this programme sits alongside the UK Government’s £2.5 billion Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund and is consistent with the Department for Transport’s Strategy for Zero Emission Vehicles. The project also complements the Authority’s Local Transport Plan, which pledges to deliver equitable access to EV charging across urban and rural communities in Oxfordshire.

By embedding chargers within the public realm, the scheme is expected to enhance neighbourhoods by reducing the visibility of temporary charging cables and minimising the need for private charging points on footways. Local residents stand to benefit from improved convenience and lower running costs for their electric vehicles, while the council anticipates that reduced pavement clutter will ease concerns among vulnerable road users.

Nonetheless, challenges remain around coordinating permissions for cross-pavement works, maintaining public liability coverage and ensuring interoperability with different EV models. Net Zero News understands that ODS will work closely with Oxfordshire’s highways teams to navigate these regulatory and technical hurdles throughout the installation phase.

Looking ahead, Oxfordshire County Council plans to begin initial installations early next year, with the first tranche of 100 units anticipated to go live by spring. Applications for homeowners to register interest and join the scheme will remain open through the council’s website until the full 500-unit allocation is committed.

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