Sunderland Trials Kerbo Charge EV Charging Channels

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

In an exciting development for electric vehicle (EV) owners in Sunderland, the city council has partnered with Kerbo Charge to introduce an innovative solution aimed at enhancing the accessibility of EV charging for residents without driveways. This forward-thinking initiative promises to revolutionise the way residents can power their vehicles, making green transportation a viable option for more households across the city.

At the heart of this initiative is a system of through-pavement charging channels, allowing residents to charge their electric vehicles right outside their front doors—an absolute game-changer for those lacking off-street parking. According to figures released by Kerbo Charge, this new method of charging could save drivers approximately £20 per session compared to utilising public charging points, translating to an impressive annual saving of around £1,100.

The charging channels are designed with both convenience and safety in mind. Installed discreetly across the pavement from a resident’s home to the road, these channels feature a specially designed lid that closes securely behind the charging cable, much like a zip. This innovative design ensures that the pavement remains trip-free, allowing pedestrians to navigate the area safely. Moreover, the system adapts to the often uneven surfaces of UK pavements, enabling quicker and cleaner installations with minimal disruption to residents’ daily lives.

In the initial rollout of this pioneering project, Sunderland City Council is deploying 20 charging channels at a significantly reduced cost for residents, marking the beginning of a trial phase. Following this, the council plans to expand the availability of this product across the entire city, providing more residents with the opportunity to embrace electric vehicle ownership.

Among the first residents to benefit from this initiative is Tony Scott, who expressed his enthusiasm for the new charging solution. Scott remarked, “Without being able to home charge, it would not be viable for us to own an EV due to high public charging costs when compared to petrol. The channel allows us to charge our car a couple of times a week and take advantage of cheaper overnight electricity. We would definitely recommend it as a good option if you have no off-street parking and are able to park outside your house.”

Councillor Lindsey Leonard, who holds the portfolio for environment, transport, and net zero at Sunderland City Council, praised the initiative, stating, “Sunderland City Council is leading the way in promoting the use of innovative technologies to assist with charging electric cars. Kerbo Charge was selected for this work across the city as we support our residents who wish to switch to an electric car in streets where there is no or limited off-street parking available.”

Michael Goulden, CEO of Kerbo Charge, celebrated the partnership with Sunderland City Council, stating, “Congratulations to Sunderland City Council for making cross pavement charging available to their residents. Kerbo Charge is about giving people more choice and removing barriers to EV adoption, resulting in cleaner air and cheaper charging.”

This initiative is a significant step towards achieving a more sustainable future, particularly in urban areas where space for traditional charging infrastructure can be limited. The introduction of through-pavement charging channels not only facilitates the transition to electric vehicles for those without private parking but also contributes to reducing emissions and improving air quality in the city.

As the world moves towards a greener future, such innovations are critical in ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to participate in the electric vehicle revolution. The Sunderland initiative serves as a model for other cities facing similar challenges regarding EV infrastructure, demonstrating that with creativity and collaboration, solutions can be found that benefit both residents and the environment.

In conclusion, as Sunderland leads the charge in making electric vehicle ownership more accessible, it sets a precedent for other regions to follow. We at the Net Zero News Network will keep a close eye on this project’s progress and its impact on the community. Together, let’s celebrate these advancements in sustainable transport and continue to push for innovative solutions that pave the way for a greener future.