Pioneering new technology that allows EV drivers without off-street parking to safely and cheaply charge their cars at home is being rolled out in the UK.

Developed by startup Kerbo Charge, the new solution means drivers can trail a cable safely from their home over a pavement to charge their car from a wall charger, significantly reducing the cost and hassle of charging.

The patented channel is installed in the pavement outside the driver’s home. All the driver needs to do is lift the lid and insert a cable when they want to charge (see video here).

Co-founder Michael Goulden explained: “40% of the UK population don’t have off-street parking and the top two reasons given for not buying an electric car are the inability to safely charge at home and the cost of public charging. Kerbo Charge is here to change that.”

Kerbo Charge is currently available to any resident living on a private road. It’s being installed first at Hitchin in Hertfordshire and the company is also partnering with local councils to roll out to homes adjoining public pavements later in the year, starting first in Milton Keynes with a trial in February 2023.

The firm says it’s seen significant interest since the unveil at the Fully Charged show.

Goulden added: “The reception from electric vehicle drivers has been phenomenal across the UK, but we’ve been particularly impressed by the interest from drivers in Hertfordshire who represented a whopping 15% of all national enquiries. 40% of the UK population don’t have off-street parking and the top two reasons given for not buying an electric car are the inability to safely charge at home and the cost of public charging. Kerbo Charge is here to change that.”

Residents of private roads can sign up straight away at www.kerbocharge.com. Prices start at £1,149. Drivers not living on private roads can register their interest on the website to get priority access when the scheme becomes available in their area.