Nearly half (49%) of UK homeowners are considering paving over their front gardens to accommodate an electric vehicle.

Making space for EV charging at home does not mean losing the benefit of green space in front garden

The poll of 2,000 homeowners by EO Charging found that lawns and borders are making way for more paving to enable EV parking and charging.

It found that one in ten (13%) UK homeowners currently own or have owned an EV. Of those who do own EVs, 70% have already made changes to the front of their homes and gardens to accommodate them, with more than a fifth (22%) cutting back on green space.

But more than half (53%) of respondents are worried about the trend of people paving over front gardens. The two biggest reasons are to protect the important habitat for plants and wildlife (65%) that front gardens offer and the fact they help increase property value (59%). A significant number also recognise front gardens allow rainwater to soak into the ground, reducing flooding (55%).

The EO survey also found that more than a quarter (28%) of UK homeowners are worried the growth of EV charging at home may have a negative impact on their neighbourhood. Of those who indicated concerns, the biggest issues are around safety hazards caused by cables running across pavements (42%) and insufficient off-road parking for charging (39%) and front gardens disappearing are also concerns (38%).

Asked which features make them more attracted to a property on first viewing if  buying a new house, homeowners said a beautiful front garden (61%), sturdy fences, walls or hedges (61%) and a spacious paved driveway offering ample parking (57%).

EO Charging wants to highlight that making space for EV charging at home does not mean losing the benefit of green space in front gardens, and has teamed up with Tulip Landscapes to provide tips on how a compromise can be achieved.

Charlie Jardine, CEO at EO Charging, said: “We’ve tried to design our charging points to be as small and attractive as possible so they are a welcome feature on the front of our customers’ homes. But it’s also important to understand that there’s a balance between accommodating EV charging infrastructure and protecting the green spaces around our homes. With some careful planning, homeowners can maximise the cost and pollution benefits of switching to an EV whilst still preserving the value of driveways and gardens for themselves, their neighbourhoods and nature.”

Henrietta Norman, landscape architect and creative director of Tulip Landscapes, added: “Homeowners with EVs looking to install charging points in their own home and worried about the impact of paving over their front garden needn’t despair. With a little creativity and planning it’s possible to free up the space to charge and keep the much-needed habitat and beautiful planting our front gardens are known for.

“Whether it’s by choosing permeable paving options and weaving in plants that are happy with a little foot traffic or creating planting pockets, integrating green roofs for bin or bike sheds into your design, or even considering vertical surfaces and growing climbers, homeowners can strike a balance between greener motoring and green space because there will be a practical and attractive option for every situation.”