Stoke-on-Trent Launches Gul-e Trial to Support On-Street Electric Vehicle Charging
Stoke-on-Trent has become the latest area to take part in a new trial of Gul-e, a cross-pavement solution that allows residents to safely and conveniently charge electric vehicles (EVs) from their own homes – even if they don’t have access to off-street parking.
The trial is looking for up to 200 households across the city who own, lease, or are planning to purchase an EV and currently lack a driveway or garage. It introduces a practical solution for homeowners who don’t have a dedicated parking space but want the benefits of at-home EV charging.
The Gul-e cross-pavement EV charging solution is designed to help solve one of the biggest challenges faced by many city dwellers when switching to electric: how to charge at home without creating trip hazards or relying solely on public charging infrastructure. The innovative cross-pavement gully allows EV owners to safely run a charging cable from their homes across the pavement to their vehicles parked on the street. The Gul-e is robust, durable, and safe to pedestrians, ensuring that everyone can share the space without obstruction.
Jason Munro, Director of FM and Infrastructure at ODS, said: “We’re excited to bring the Gul-e trial to Stoke-on-Trent and help support a greener city for its residents. Our aim is to remove one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption — charging access for people without driveways. By working with local authorities and residents, we’re helping more people make the switch to electric with confidence and convenience. We urge Stoke-on-Trent residents to come forward and participate in this trial so they can experience the benefits of easily, safely and affordably charging their EVs right outside their homes.”
Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, infrastructure and regeneration, said: “We know that, in Stoke-on-Trent, there is currently real inequity between electric vehicle owners who can charge their vehicles at home and those who can’t, because they don’t have driveways. The £270,000 will fund the installation of cross-pavement channels, making it easier for more people to switch to electric vehicles.
“This will mean that more residents of the city can benefit from cheaper home charging, which can cost up to 10 times less than charging at public charging points, while protecting the pavement and members of the public by removing the risk of trailing cables, covers and ramps.”
The Gul-e trial in Stoke-on-Trent follows successful implementations in other parts of the UK and is part of a wider effort to support the transition to cleaner, greener transport. By participating in the Gul-e trial, local residents will be among the first to benefit from a more convenient EV lifestyle, while supporting their community’s shift toward a cleaner, greener future.
Households interested in taking part in the Gul-e trial can register their interest by emailing levi@stoke.gov.uk Further information about Gul-e by ODS can be seen on its website www.gul-e.co.uk
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“The best thing about Gul-e is its simplicity. It really is so easy to use,
and was a big part of my decision to buy an EV.”
Mr Jesper Ekelund, Oxford