Brent Council launches £169,000 trial for EV pavement charging
Scheme targets residents without driveways, with review after six months for possible borough-wide rollout
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Brent Council will trial pavement channels for electric vehicle charging, aiming to provide a safer and more affordable option for residents without driveways. The £169,000 scheme, approved on 27 July 2026, is funded by a government grant and will initially focus on blue-badge holders, though other residents can register interest.
The trial seeks to address a key barrier to EV adoption: the lack of home charging infrastructure for those without off-street parking. Cables stretched across pavements create trip hazards, which the channels are designed to eliminate. Brent Council said the scheme will assess whether the solution is safe, practical and cost-effective.
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VAT disparity adds to cost pressures
Residents using public charging points pay 20% VAT on electricity, while those charging at home pay 5%. Brent Council said this disparity makes EV ownership less affordable, particularly amid rising living costs. The council estimates petrol and diesel vehicles account for 22% of emissions in the borough, with air pollution linked to health issues.
Cllr Promise Knight, Brent Council’s Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm, said the trial would help determine if pavement channels offer a viable alternative. She said: “This trial is an important step towards making electric vehicle use more affordable and convenient for more Brent residents.”
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It is vital that these residents are supported to make the switch to electric. Convenient, cheap car charging infrastructure is vital to this.
Cllr Promise Knight, Brent Council Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm
Rollout depends on six-month review
The trial will run for six months before an initial review. If successful, the scheme will expand to additional locations using the remaining grant funding. A final decision on a borough-wide rollout is expected after 12 months, Brent Council said.
Cllr Matt Kelcher, who represents Harlesden ward, said the measure would be welcomed in his area, where few residents have driveways. He said: “It’s a lot of converted houses and small front gardens. The lamppost charging points we’ve had in already have been popular, and this will be an option I know people will definitely be keen on.”
Brent Council Leader Cllr Muhammed Butt said the trial aligns with efforts to support residents transitioning to electric vehicles. He said the council aims to make the process as straightforward as possible.
What happens next
Residents interested in participating can register with Brent Council, though details on how to do so have not yet been published. The six-month review will assess safety, practicality and value for money. If the trial is deemed successful, the council will expand it to more locations before considering a full rollout.
Questions this report answers
+Who can take part in Brent Council’s EV charging trial?
The trial focuses on blue-badge holders but is open to other Brent residents without driveways. Interested residents can register with the council, though details on how to apply have not yet been released.
+How much will the EV pavement charging trial cost?
The trial is funded by a £169,000 government grant. The council will review its success after six months before deciding whether to expand it using the remaining funds.
+Why is Brent Council trialling pavement EV charging?
The council aims to make EV charging safer and more affordable for residents without driveways. Public charging incurs 20% VAT, compared to 5% for private users, which the council says deters uptake.
+When will Brent Council decide on a borough-wide rollout?
A six-month review will assess the trial’s success. If approved, the scheme will expand to more locations. A final decision on a borough-wide rollout is expected after 12 months.
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