As electric cars become increasingly popular, the demand for charging stations is rapidly growing. Many drivers are looking for ways to charge their electric vehicles at home.
Unfortunately, many electric car owners don’t have a driveway or garage where they can plug in their cars overnight. But with the increasing availability of public charging stations and other options, you can still charge your vehicle at home even if you don’t have a driveway or access to a garage.
If you don’t have a driveway, options available to you include using an on-street charger, charging your car at work or using the public charging network.
In this article, we’ll talk you through some of the best ways to charge your electric car at home with no driveway.
Charging An EV Without A Driveway
If you don’t have a driveway, you might be wondering whether you can have an electric vehicle (EV). It is true that it is more difficult to charge your electric vehicle without a driveway, as the logistics of getting the charging cable to your car become more complicated.
However, with advances in technology, there are several solutions available that make it easy and affordable to charge your electric vehicle without a driveway. Here are some of the most popular options:
1. On-Street Chargers
Many cities now have on-street chargers installed in public spaces, allowing drivers to plug in their cars overnight. This is a great option for those who don’t have access to a driveway or garage.
2. Charging Stations at Work
If your employer has set up an EV charging station, it could be worth asking if you can charge your car there during work hours or while the station is not in use.
3. Public Charging Network
The nationwide public charging network provides drivers with access to thousands of charging points across the country. This is a great option for those who don’t have access to a driveway or garage, as it allows them to find and charge their vehicles easily and conveniently.
You can find charge points at many supermarkets, hotels, gyms and public car parks, where you can charge up whilst your car is parked.
4. Portable Chargers
Portable EV chargers are the perfect solution for those who don’t have access to a driveway or garage. They are small, lightweight and can easily be stored in the trunk of your car. Portable charging units are also relatively inexpensive and can be plugged into any regular wall outlet.
How to charge an electric car if you live in a flat
If you live in a flat, most electric car charging points are located on the ground floor. However, if this isn’t possible there are other options available to you.
You can install a dedicated EV charger at your property that is connected directly to an electricity meter. This will allow you to charge your vehicle without needing access to a driveway or garage.
Alternatively, you can purchase a portable EV charger that can be plugged into any regular wall outlet and used to charge your car in the comfort of your own home.
Finally, if you live in an apartment complex or housing estate, it may be worth asking your landlord if they would be willing to install a dedicated EV charging point at the property. This could be a great solution if you don’t have access to a driveway or garage and will allow you to charge your EV with ease.
Can I charge my electric car on the street?
Whilst it is not illegal to run your charging cable across the pavement, this isn’t something we’d advise. This is because you could be held responsible if there is an accident as a result of your cable.
It is also worth noting that most public car parks, supermarkets and other facilities will have dedicated EV charging points available which are safe and secure.
If you are unable to access these charging points or there aren’t any in your area, you could consider installing a portable charger at home as this can easily be plugged into any regular wall outlet. This will allow you to charge your vehicle without needing access to a driveway or garage.
It is also worth noting that many cities now have on-street chargers installed in public spaces, allowing drivers to plug in their cars overnight. This is a great option for those who don’t have access to a driveway or garage.
Do I need a driveway for an electric car?
If you’re thinking about purchasing an electric car but you don’t have a driveway, you’ll first need to consider how you will charge your vehicle. It is perfectly possible to own an electric vehicle without a driveway, but it does take more planning and research.
When it comes to charging, you have several options available to you such as public charging networks, charging points at work and portable chargers that can be plugged into any regular wall outlet. You could also consider installing a dedicated EV charger at your property if you have access to an electricity meter.
Whilst it is not absolutely necessary to have a driveway in order to own an electric car, it can make things a lot easier as you will have access to your own dedicated charging point.
By researching and understanding the options available to you, you can find the best solution for owning an electric car without a driveway.
Can I get an electric charge point outside my house?
If you own an electric car but you don’t have a driveway, you can contact your local council and request that an electric charge point is installed outside your property. Not every council will be able to facilitate this, but some councils have schemes in place to encourage residents to switch to electric vehicles.
If your local council isn’t able to provide you with an electric charge point, you could consider purchasing a portable EV charger which can be plugged into any regular wall outlet and used to charge your car in the comfort of your own home.
Ultimately, there are several viable solutions available for those who don’t have a driveway and want to own an electric vehicle. With some planning and research, you can find the best option for charging your car without needing access to a driveway or garage.
FAQs
How hard is it to own an electric car without a garage?
Whilst owning an electric car without a garage means you will need to spend some time researching and planning your charging options, it is certainly possible to do so. There are several viable solutions available such as public charger networks, dedicated EV chargers at work or portable chargers that can be plugged into any regular wall outlet.
Can I charge my electric car at home?
Yes, you can charge your electric car at home using a dedicated EV charger or a portable charger which can be plugged into any regular wall outlet. Installing an EV charger in your property is the best option as it is the most convenient and efficient way to charge and will ensure that your vehicle is always fully charged when you need it.
Does the local council install electric charging points?
Some councils (especially within London) have schemes in place to encourage residents to switch to electric vehicles and may be able to provide you with an electric charge point outside your property. It is worth contacting your local council for more information on this. If not, you could consider purchasing a portable EV charger which can be used to charge your car at home.
Does my electric car need a driveway?
No, an electric car does not need a driveway in order to be charged or used. There are several charging solutions available such as public charger networks, dedicated EV chargers at work and portable chargers that can be plugged into any regular wall outlet. With some research and planning, you can find the best solution for owning an electric car without a driveway.
Can I charge my electric car at work?
Yes, you may be able to charge your electric vehicle at work if your employer has an EV charger installed. This is becoming increasingly common in workplaces as employers are encouraged to switch to electric vehicles. It is worth speaking to your employers about this as it could be a great way to stay charged up during the working day.
Final Thoughts
Owning an electric car without a driveway is certainly possible and there are several viable solutions available. With some research and planning, you can find the best option for charging your car without needing access to a driveway or garage.
From understanding your options to installing an EV charger in your property, make sure you have everything in place before buying your electric vehicle to ensure that you have a reliable and convenient way to charge up your car.
It is also important to check what local schemes are available in your area as some councils may be able to provide you with an electric charge point outside your property.
By researching all the available options and taking the necessary steps, you can make owning