Brent Council launches EV pavement charging trial for residents

Brent Council will begin testing pavement channels designed to allow electric vehicle owners to charge their cars without trailing cables across footpaths. The decision, approved by the council’s Cabinet on 27 July 2026, allocates a £169,000 government grant to the trial, which will run for six months before an initial review.

The scheme aims to address a key barrier for residents without driveways or garages, who currently rely on public charging points. Pavement channels embed charging infrastructure beneath the kerb, allowing drivers to connect directly to their vehicles while parked on the street. The council said the trial will assess whether the technology is safe, practical and cost-effective.

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Who can take part and what it costs

While the trial prioritises blue-badge holders, many of whom depend on private vehicles for mobility, other residents may also register interest. The council has not yet confirmed how participants will be selected or how many households will be involved.

A significant cost disparity exists between public and private charging. Drivers using public infrastructure pay 20% VAT on electricity, while those charging at home pay 5%. Brent Council said this difference creates a financial barrier for residents considering switching to electric vehicles, particularly amid rising living costs.

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Why Brent is testing the scheme

Petrol and diesel vehicles account for 22% of emissions in Brent, according to the council. Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm, said reducing these emissions is critical for public health. However, she acknowledged that some residents, particularly those with disabilities, rely on private cars and need support to transition to electric vehicles.

This trial is an important step towards making electric vehicle use more affordable and convenient for more Brent residents.

Cllr Promise Knight, Cabinet Member for Cleaner Streets, Transport and Public Realm

Cllr Matt Kelcher, who represents Harlesden ward, said the trial would be welcomed in his area, where few homes have driveways. He described the neighbourhood as dominated by converted houses and small front gardens, making on-street charging a necessity. Existing lamppost charging points have proven popular, he said, and the new channels could offer a further solution.

What happens next

The trial will run for six months, after which the council will review early results. If the scheme is deemed successful, it will expand to additional locations using the remaining grant funds. A final decision on whether to roll out the technology across Brent will be made after 12 months.

Residents interested in participating can register their interest with Brent Council, though the process for selection has not been detailed. The council said it would provide updates on how to apply as the trial progresses.