In the ongoing transition towards electric vehicles (EVs), one of the most pressing challenges in the UK is finding adequate charging infrastructure. With over 40% of homes in the UK lacking a driveway, lamp-post chargers have emerged as a promising solution for urban EV drivers seeking local charging options. However, recent incidents of malfunctioning chargers and community unrest over reduced parking availability for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles are raising questions about the viability and public support for this initiative.
The situation came to a head in July when Hounslow Council in west London had to disconnect several lamp-post chargers in Chiswick after residents reported they were inoperative. Investigations revealed that heavy rainfall had caused water ingress, leading to failures in both the chargers and the street lamps to which they were connected. While the council has since restored power to the lamps, the incident underscores concerns about the durability and reliability of these charging solutions. Ubitricity, the Shell-owned provider of these chargers, is currently addressing the necessary repairs.
Local backlash has also emerged regarding the installation of lamp-post charging bays, particularly from residents who feel the loss of parking spaces for ICE vehicles is unjustified in areas where EVs remain relatively scarce. This discontent was palpable in April when a protest occurred over the elimination of eight parking bays for traditional vehicles in Chiswick. While local councils, such as Hounslow, have promised to engage with the community, many residents are left feeling unheard.
The challenges surrounding lamp-post chargers are not isolated. Portsmouth City Council faced its own issues last year when 98 lamp-post chargers were disconnected due to safety concerns. Seven months later, only a fraction—41 chargers—were back online. Such delays can erode trust in the reliability of this charging infrastructure, which is critical as the UK aims to increase its EV adoption rate.
Despite these setbacks, lamp-post chargers still hold significant promise. The UK boasts around 20,000 of these devices, which offer charging speeds of approximately 5kW. Operators like Ubitricity and Char.gy have been instrumental in this rollout, with Char.gy being credited with the installation of London’s first lamp-post charger back in 2018. A recent report from UK Power Networks has even given the green light for additional chargers to be installed on older lamp-posts, alleviating previous safety concerns raised about legacy wiring.
Financial backing from the government is pivotal in expanding this network. The £350 million Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund aims to assist councils in increasing public charging options. Joe Michaels, CEO of Joju, emphasizes the transformative potential of this funding, suggesting that lamp-post charging is a straightforward solution to the pressing need for more public chargers.
However, the economics of EV charging continue to complicate the adoption narrative. The AA has noted that peak-time energy tariffs can make running an EV more expensive than a comparable ICE vehicle. In response, they have called on the government to reduce VAT on tariffs to make EV ownership more appealing. Ubitricity has introduced smart charging solutions that allow users to schedule charging during off-peak hours, which could mitigate some of these cost concerns.
Despite the current issues, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the future of lamp-post charging. Michaels points out that an empty charging bay, while frustrating to some, could serve as a motivation for ICE drivers to consider transitioning to electric. This perspective resonates with the broader goals of reducing overall carbon emissions and enhancing urban air quality.
As the UK moves toward a greener future, the focus on innovative solutions like lamp-post chargers highlights the importance of community engagement and reliable infrastructure. By addressing the concerns of residents and ensuring the reliability of charging points, the transition to electric vehicles can be more seamless and acceptable to a wider audience.
In summary, while the path to widespread EV adoption through lamp-post charging is fraught with challenges, it remains a crucial component of the UK’s strategy to create a sustainable transport network. As local authorities, businesses, and communities work together, the hope is that these public charging solutions will become a hallmark of urban infrastructure, facilitating a smooth transition to electric mobility.
