Charging for electric cars for Reading outside homes

While car owners with a driveway can charge their vehicle quite easily, this can be difficult for people who only have on-street car parking.

That is why the company Kerbo Charge has devised a system that allows residents who have to park on-street to charge their electric car.

The system works by installing a ‘channel’ underneath the pavement which a charging cable passes underneath, eliminating a trip hazard posed by the cable and allowing charging to take place.

Reading Borough Council has allowed Kerbo Charge to operate in the town on a trial basis.

The system is already being used by Reading neighbour Tim Liddle, who uses it to charge his Tesla.

Mr Liddle said: “It’s a great product that feels like it will last for years. I can now run my EV charging cable across the pavement safely.”

The trial of technology such as that provided by Kerbo Charge forms part of the council’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy. 

READ MORE: Places where you can charge an electric vehicle listed as council reveals draft charging strategy

John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for climate strategy and transport said: “Greater electric vehicle adoption means a reduction in pollution to our borough.

“We are delighted to trial Kerbo Charge with our residents as one of the options to support our ongoing commitment to fostering a greener and more sustainable Reading.”

Installation works are carried out by the council’s own highways contractor where Kerbo Charge has partnerships.

A visual survey is required before the works start to ensure the installation site is not close to a dropped curb, tree roots or a road turning.

Further survey work is usually not required as the channel is only 32mm deep and therefore sits above any buried utilities.

The Kerbo Charge system works by installing a cable under the pavement, as seen here in Reading. Credit: Kerbo Charge

There are currently four Kerbo Charge channels in the ground in Reading Borough.

The council accepting more applications from residents for channels to be installed, with no cap being set as of yet.

You can see whether your home is eligible for a channel on the Kerbo Charge website.

READ MORE: Manufacturers show of cars in hopes for commuters to go electric 

Michael Goulden, the co-founder of the company, said: “We want more people to own an electric vehicle.

“However, it becomes difficult to make the switch if charging points are expensive to use and are miles from your home.

“Working with the Reading council to trial our innovative product allows customers to easily charge their cars at home and help reduce carbon emissions in the town.”

The company charges £999 for a professional Kerbo Charge channel installation and £949 for a professional wall-mounted charger installation.