Richmond Council Unveils New Pavement Charging Scheme

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable living, the London Borough of Richmond is paving the way for residents without driveways to embrace electric vehicles (EVs) through an innovative new scheme. This initiative introduces pavement EV charging channels, empowering drivers to charge their cars conveniently and safely right outside their homes.

Launched after a successful trial, this initiative is a collaborative effort with Kerbo Charge, a pioneering company in the field of EV charging solutions. Thanks to this partnership, Richmond residents can now bypass the reliance on public charging stations, which often come with a premium price tag. In fact, EV owners in Richmond could potentially save around £1,100 annually compared to using public charging infrastructure.

It’s worth noting that while approximately 40% of households across the UK lack access to off-street parking, this figure escalates to 60% within Richmond. This statistic highlights the pressing need for accessible home charging solutions, and this new scheme is set to address that challenge head-on. The ability to charge an EV at home is not just a matter of convenience; it’s about making sustainable choices easier, safer, and significantly more affordable for local residents.

So, how does it work? When residents wish to charge their vehicles, they simply insert their charging cable into the specially designed channel. The lid, crafted to mimic the functionality of a zip, closes securely behind the cable. This ingenious design eliminates the hazards associated with cables stretching across footpaths, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and cyclists alike.

The story of Kerbo Charge is one of innovation and ambition. Founders Michael Goulden and Ben Whitaker first introduced their product to the public eye on the BBC’s Dragons’ Den in 2024, where they secured a £50,000 investment from the esteemed Deborah Meaden. Since that pivotal moment, the technology has been embraced by 30 local authorities across the UK, although the majority of installations have taken place outside of London.

What sets Kerbo Charge apart is its adaptability to the unique characteristics of London’s pavements, which can often be uneven and challenging. Designed and manufactured in the UK, this system allows for quick and discreet installations with minimal disruption to the street’s aesthetic. This focus on both functionality and visual appeal is a testament to the thoughtfulness behind the design.

Michael Goulden, the CEO and co-founder of Kerbo Charge, expressed his enthusiasm for the new scheme, stating: “Congratulations to Richmond Council – this is all about removing barriers to EV adoption and tackling the ‘pavement tax’ – the additional cost of owning an EV if you have on-street parking – which is 60% of Londoners!” His words resonate strongly in a time when we are all striving for a more sustainable future.

The installation of a charging channel comes at a cost of £1,350, but residents may be eligible for a government grant of up to £350 to assist with the purchase and installation of their EV charge point. This financial support is vital in encouraging more residents to make the switch to electric vehicles, helping to alleviate the financial burdens associated with charging infrastructure.

Looking ahead, there may be further financial relief for residents as the borough anticipates a grant from a newly established £25 million government fund, announced in July 2025. This fund aims to support councils in offsetting the costs associated with installing footway charging channels, potentially reducing future installation prices even further.

This charging scheme is not just a step towards convenience; it is a pivotal component of Richmond Council’s Air Quality Action Plan. This comprehensive strategy is designed to cut carbon emissions and enhance air quality throughout the borough, aligning with the broader objectives of the net-zero movement.

In addition to the newly introduced gully charging scheme, Richmond Council has also made strides in expanding its EV charging infrastructure. In 2024, they installed 210 new lamp column charge points, bringing the total number of charging points in the borough to an impressive 1,152. This substantial increase in accessible charging options significantly enhances the convenience for EV owners and encourages more residents to consider making the switch to electric.

For those interested in learning more about this exciting new scheme and how it can benefit them, more details can be found on the Richmond Council website. The push towards a sustainable future is gathering momentum, and initiatives like these are essential in making electric vehicle ownership a reality for all, regardless of their housing situation.

As we continue to explore and embrace innovative solutions to combat climate change, Richmond’s initiative serves as a beacon of hope and progress. It reminds us that with collaboration and creativity, we can overcome barriers and work towards a greener, cleaner future.

Let’s champion these efforts together and inspire more communities to follow suit. After all, every step towards sustainability counts, and together, we can create the change we wish to see in the world.