Kerbo Charge, a prominent electric vehicle charging company, has launched its first trial in Wales, specifically in Blaenau Gwent. This trial is designed to assist residents with on-street parking in making the transition from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric ones. The initiative aims to provide a convenient and accessible solution to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in the community.
There has been ongoing discussion about on-street parking for some time, as it poses a significant barrier for many who want to switch to electric vehicles. Many people are hesitant to make the transition because they don't live close to accessible EV chargers, making it difficult to charge their vehicles conveniently. The lack of easily accessible charging options is a major obstacle for those considering the switch to electric vehicles.
Kerbo Charge offers a solution for residents without driveways—who make up 40% of households in Gwent. This innovative approach can save residents hundreds or even thousands of pounds compared to using public charging stations. According to Kerbo Charge, residents could save up to £1,100 a year on charging costs with this system.
This trial aims to improve air quality and reduce CO2 emissions in the area. To charge their vehicles, residents simply insert the charging cable into a channel on the pavement, which features a specially designed lid that closes securely behind the cable. This design eliminates the risk of hazardous cables lying across footpaths, ensuring safety and convenience for both residents and pedestrians.
With the initial trial being well-received by residents, it will be interesting to see how this adoption fares across the rest of the UK and whether it helps accelerate the widespread transition to electric vehicles nationwide. The success of this trial could play a crucial role in overcoming charging challenges and boosting EV adoption across the country. Additionally, a similar trial is also underway in London, which could provide further insights into how such initiatives can address charging challenges and boost EV adoption across the country.
Businesses like BT are also exploring innovative solutions to address this challenge. BT has piloted a project that uses its existing network of street cabinets, typically used for telecommunications, to install EV chargers.
