The guide to charging an EV without a driveway

No access to a private driveway? We explore alternative charging locations, to keep you journey ready

Research by the UK government indicates that most EV drivers have access to a home charger. But what if you don’t have access to a driveway? In this article, we explore why having a dedicated, private driveway doesn’t have to be a prerequisite for running an electric vehicle.

Where can you charge an electric vehicle if you don’t have a private driveway?

When it comes to finding a place to charge your electric vehicle, there are more options than you might realise. One possibility is to use the growing number of public charging points across the UK. Alternatively, you could explore charging at work, or even contact your local authority or landlord (if you’re renting) to discuss a solution that allows you to recharge your EV near your home.

Tap into conveniently located public charging points

If you’re thinking about switching to an EV but don’t have a private driveway, consider taking the time to explore the availability of charging points in your local area. At bp pulse, we plan to invest £1 billion in electric vehicle charging across the country to help deliver more rapid and ultra-fast chargers in key locations. Today, our network offers more than 8,750 charging points – including over 3,200 rapid, 50kW and ultra-fast, 150kW charging points. Find a public charging point near you by using our live, online map or downloading the bp pulse app.

Depending on factors including your electric vehicle make and model, charging on the go can be quick and convenient. Our bp pulse150 charger, for example, can be found on some bp forecourts, is capable of charging up to 100 miles of range in around 15 minutes. You may also find public charging points in convenient locations such as supermarkets or car parks – allowing you to plug in and charge up while you shop for groceries, run errands, or call in on friends and family. Find out more about the bp pulse on-the-go network here.

The UK Government aims ‘to have one of the best electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure networks in the world’. To bring this vision to life, local authorities can apply for grants through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme, which provides funds for the development of on-street charging points. Over time, this should allow more drivers without a private charger with the option of charging their vehicle closer to home.

Explore whether charging at work is a practical solution

If your workplace provides electric vehicle charging points, topping up your battery while you work could be a convenient way to remain journey ready on days you visit the office. And, if your workplace doesn’t currently have charging facilities, it’s worth noting that businesses, including charities and public sector organisations, may be eligible for Government funding that can part-fund the installation of electric vehicle charging points.

If you’re part of your business’s plan to transition to electric, we can help you to build an EV strategy that’s tailored to your needs. Find out more about our business solutions here, or, if you’re eager to speak to one of our team, click here to make an enquiry.

Explore solutions if you rent

While some rented accommodation features a private driveway, landlords might not have considered installing an electric vehicle charging point on the premises. If you’re an EV driver who rents a property, you may wish to discuss the possibility of installing a home charger. To help cover costs, the UK Government offers the ‘EV chargepoint grant for landlords’ which, depending on eligibility, ‘can cover up to 75% of the cost of buying and installing a chargepoint socket, limited to £350 per grant’. A set number of grants are available to landlords with commercial and residential properties, per financial year, and you should consult the UK Government website for the most up-to-date information on the scheme.