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Northern Ireland Takes the Lead: New Cross-Pavement Charging Solutions End the EV Off-Street Parking Debate

Northern Ireland Takes the Lead: New Cross-Pavement Charging Solutions End the EV Off-Street Parking Debate

Date Posted: 05 November 2025

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At Agnew, we have witnessed the electric vehicle revolution sweeping across Northern Ireland. However, for many potential EV drivers, the single biggest barrier has remained: Where do I charge if I don’t have a driveway? 

The good news is that the Department for Infrastructure has stepped forward with definitive solutions, officially enabling safe, cross-pavement home charging. This is a massive game-changer that opens the door for thousands of homeowners across the region to access the cheapest and most convenient way to power their vehicle. 

The Financial Advantage of Home Charging

For Pure-electric (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) drivers, charging at home remains the most economical option, allowing you to utilise lower off-peak home electricity tariffs. Until now, this was only feasible for those with off-street parking. These new Department for Infrastructure solutions are specifically designed to bridge that gap, giving on-street parkers access to low-cost, overnight charging. 

The Department for Infrastructure is currently enabling two distinct methods for cross-pavement charging: a permanent, engineered solution, and a temporary, lower-cost cable protector pilot. 

Option 1: The Permanent Cross-Pavement Channel

For a long-term, secure solution, the Department for Infrastructure will now consider applications for the installation of a sub-surface channel. This involves safely digging a shallow trench into the footway, allowing a retractable charging cable to run from your property to the kerb. When not in use, the channel is closed, keeping the footpath trip-hazard free for pedestrians. 

You can find more information and guidance on how to apply for a cross-pavement channel on the official Department of Infrastructure website, where an enquiry form is available if you are interested in pursuing this solution. 

Option 2: The Temporary Cable Protector (Pilot Scheme)

For a lower cost solution, the Department of Infrastructure has launched a six-month pilot scheme for the use of a temporary, robust cable protector, which prevent tripping hazards and safely shield the charging cable as it runs across the pavement which is a relatively low-cost option. 

Please note: Because this is a pilot scheme, it will be monitored and evaluated over six months. 

If you are interested in this temporary method, you can apply to use a cross-pavement cable protector via the Department for Infrastructure portal. 

Moving Forward with Confidence

For the estimated 500,000 Northern Ireland residents who rely on on-street parking, this proactive step by the Department for Infrastructure removes a major obstacle to EV ownership. You no longer have to rely exclusively on public charging points, which, while widely available, are often more expensive than home tariffs. 

Ready to make the switch?

Speak to our experts at Agnew to explore our range of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles and discuss the charging solution that is right for your home. Visit a location near you

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