Charge Gully: Bridge EV Gaps for Deprived Areas

As the world transitions to EVs, a pressing question emerges: Can everyone afford to join the shift? For many, the answer hinges on a single factor—whether their home has off-road parking.

Research highlights inequality in EV accessibility

A recent study by Charge Gully, an innovative company in the EV infrastructure space, has revealed alarming disparities in EV accessibility. Without immediate intervention, the transition to EVs risks deepening socioeconomic inequalities, leaving residents of deprived communities at a disadvantage.

Charge Gully's research leverages data from the latest English Housing Survey, which exposes a stark gap in access to off-road parking—a critical factor for home EV charging. In England, 91% of households in the wealthiest 10% of areas have access to off-road parking, compared to less than 50% in the most deprived areas.

The cost of public charging

The implications of the disparity are profound. Public EV chargers are often the only option for households without off-road parking. However, these chargers are significantly more expensive than home charging.

According to the Zapmap Index survey, EV owners reliant on public charging face annual costs nearly US$1,525 higher than those with home chargers, making public charging less affordable than traditional ICE vehicles.

Ian Mach, Director of Charge Gully, explains the challenge: "The strategy to support the third or so of UK households without driveways and garages has been to install public chargers in streets around their homes. However, public chargers are so expensive that owning an EV only makes financial sense if one can charge from home."

Call for inclusive charging solutions

Ian focuses on the need for strategic change: "There needs to be a radical change of thinking at a strategic level to encourage solutions that allow these households to charge on affordable overnight domestic tariffs or we risk leaving these people behind."

Without inclusive charging solutions, the EV transition risks entrenching existing socioeconomic barriers. Residents in deprived areas, lacking affordable and convenient charging options, may find EV ownership unattainable. This could leave them reliant on older, less sustainable vehicles, perpetuating environmental and economic disparities.

Charge Gully's innovative approach

To address the issue, Charge Gully is pioneering a solution designed to bridge the gap. The innovative approach aims to bring affordable and convenient home EV charging to households without driveways or garages.

By targeting this underserved demographic, Charge Gully seeks to ensure that no one is left behind in the EV transition.

EVs Inclusive Future

The findings from Charge Gully's research serve as a wake-up call. If the EV transition is to succeed, it must be inclusive, prioritising equitable access to charging infrastructure.

It means investing in solutions that enable all households—regardless of income or parking circumstances—to benefit from affordable EV charging options.

As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, innovators like Charge Gully will be crucial in ensuring that the transition to EVs is environmentally sound and socially equitable.

By addressing any disparities head-on, the industry can create a future where everyone has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from the EV revolution.