EV drivers urged to charge safely

Electric car drivers are being urged to check they’re not causing risk to others when charging their vehicles. 

The car insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk say many electric vehicle (EV) drivers, who don’t have a driveway, may be unaware of hazards caused by running a cable over public footpaths or highways.

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Government data shows most EV drivers charge at home overnight, with almost all survey respondents (93%), saying they had access to home charging – 90% of which charged overnight, making loose cables over pavements a potential concern for many homes without a driveway.

Although it’s not illegal to run an EV cable across a pavement, if it causes injuries to a pedestrian then the owner can be found liable and may be prosecuted.

Running a cable over a path poses a potential hazard for pedestrians who may trip over the wires and injure themselves, which could lead to legal action.

In certain areas, drivers may also need to obtain permission from the local council to run cables across a public path.

The Highway Act also gives local councils the power to remove any cables on the pavement they think could be dangerous.

In 2022 rule 239 of the Highway Code was updated to state drivers should park close to the charge point and avoid creating a trip hazard for pedestrians using trailing cables. 

It also suggests displaying a warning sign and after charging, returning the cables and connectors to minimise the danger to pedestrians and avoid creating an obstacle for other road users.

Besides posing a trip hazard, the cables can also lead to fires if daisy-chained together and pose an electrocution risk if left outside in the rain.

The warning comes after a survey by the insurance comparison experts revealed over half of Britons are not planning to make the switch to driving an electric car.  Interestingly, one in five (21%) said their reluctance was down to the charging infrastructure not being good enough, with four per cent blaming the cost of installing a home charging device. 

Greg Wilson, CEO and electric car insurance expert at Quotezone.co.uk said: “As the number of electric vehicles increases, we have to look at the challenges many face with charging.

“Without off-street parking, it can be tricky to charge your EV safely and owners need to be careful they don’t put themselves and pedestrians at risk. Steps such as remaining with the vehicle and covering the cables will help make it safer, but cables running across the path is not ideal and the only option for many.

“Installing a cable gully is a good way to overcome this problem – but drivers will need council permission.

“We’d encourage EV owners to look at alternative ways of charging including public charging stations and any on-street charging points. As of April 2023, ‘on street’ charging devices accounted for 34% of charging devices. They may not be directly outside your home, but if it’s a fast speed charger, it shouldn’t take too long.

“Ultimately, safety is paramount however you charge your vehicle, and hopefully the government’s increased investments in the UK charging infrastructure will open up many other charging possibilities for drivers across the country.”

Quotezone.co.uk’s top tips for charging an EV without a driveway;

1. EV charger on your street

Utilise on-street charging points in your area, if they are few and far between contact your local council and add a request for an EV charger to be installed, asking neighbours to request as well to strengthen your case. Local authorities are being encouraged by the government to improve EV infrastructure.   

2. Public charging

Many supermarkets and car parks have dedicated areas for electric vehicles with charging points. Do check the speed of charge so you have an idea how long your car will need to be plugged in so you can plan your day. As of January 2024, there were more than 53,600 public chargepoints available across the UK, a 45% increase since the start of 2023 – predicting at least 300,000 chargepoints by 2030.

3. Running across a pathway

This isn’t illegal, it’s just not recommended due to the trip hazard it causes. If you have no other alternative, stay with the vehicle while it’s on charge and remove cables as soon as possible. Do not use an extension cable and cover the cable where it crosses the path with a protective anti trip cover. Display a warning sign too so pedestrians are aware of the trip hazard.

4. Cable gully

A cable gully is a channel installed in the pavement that can be used to safely trail an EV charging cable. Installing a cable gully needs council approval. It allows easier home charging for homes with no driveways – users can park, press the charging cable in the gully and plug the charger in safely.

5. Check permissions

Some local councils prohibit any cables from being placed across public highways, while others require you to apply for permission, which is granted based on need and suitability on a case-by-case basis. It’s crucial to check with your local council to ensure you comply with all regulations. 

The LEVI pilot (Local EV Infrastructure), launched in August 2022, has funded almost 3,400 chargepoints and 1,000 gullies to motorists without off-street parking.

Grant options are available for those with suitable on-street parking via gov.uk.

Quotezone.co.uk can help with electric car insurance comparison, saving millions of drivers in the UK money on their insurance every year.

For more on electric car statistics and insurance premiums.