ADDITIONAL electric vehicle charging points are coming to Reading using a system that allows electric car owners to charge vehicles outside homes.
Kerbo Charge has devised a system that allows on-street charging. The system works by installing a ‘channel’ underneath the pavement which a charging cable passes underneath, eliminating a trip hazard posed by the cable and allowing charging to take place.
Reading Borough Council has allowed Kerbo Charge to operate in the town on a trial basis.
The system is already being used by Tim Liddle, who uses it to charge his Tesla.
Mr Liddle said: “It’s a great product that feels like it will last for years. I can now run my EV charging cable across the pavement safely.”
The trial of technology such as that provided by Kerbo Charge forms part of the council’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure strategy.
Cllr John Ennis (Labour, Southcote), lead councillor for climate strategy and transport said: “Greater electric vehicle adoption means a reduction in pollution to our borough.
“We are delighted to trial Kerbo Charge with our residents as one of the options to support our ongoing commitment to fostering a greener and more sustainable Reading.”
Installation works are being carried out by the council’s own highways contractor where Kerbo Charge has partnerships.
A visual survey is required before the works start to ensure the installation site is not close to a dropped curb, tree roots or a road turning.
Further survey work is usually not required as the channel is only 32mm deep and therefore sits above any buried utilities.
There are currently four Kerbo Charge channels in the ground in Reading Borough.
The council accepting more applications from residents for channels to be installed, with no cap set.
You can see whether your home is eligible for a channel on the Kerbo Charge website.
Michael Goulden, the co-founder of the company, said: “We want more people to own an electric vehicle.
“However, it becomes difficult to make the switch if charging points are expensive to use and are miles from your home.
“Working with the Reading council to trial our innovative product allows customers to easily charge their cars at home and help reduce carbon emissions in the town.”
