Cornwall Council is here to help if you park on the street and want to install an electric vehicle (EV) charger. If you are eligible then we can use the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) scheme to cover the cost of fitting the pavement channel. This channel will allow you to connect your charger to your car.
This following information explains how to apply for Cornwall Council’s EV Cable Channel Subsidy, including:
- eligibility
- application steps and
- post-installation requirements
Please note: This scheme does not guarantee a parking space outside your property.
What’s covered
- Up to £1,200 towards the installation of a cross pavement cable channel, covering the costs of a typical installation.
- You will still need to pay for a licence to install the channel. Current fee is £175
- You are responsible for obtaining planning permission for the EV charge point.
- Government grants may be available to help with the cost of the charge point itself.
- Those with existing charge points will be considered if all criteria are met
Please note that funding does not come into force until April 2026.
How to apply
Step 1 – Check your eligibility
To qualify, you must:
- Live at the property and either own it or have written permission from the owner.
- Be able to park legally on the road directly outside your home, with only the pavement separating your property boundary from the road.
- Hold confirmation from a registered electrician that a suitable EV charge point can be installed at ground floor level within your property boundary.
- Use a 7.5kW or lower EV charger.
- Use only cables supplied with the charge point or EV Vehicle for the specific purpose of charging (no extension leads).
Your application cannot be accepted if:
- There are parking restrictions (e.g. yellow lines, bus stops, taxi ranks).
- Parking would block a dropped kerb or violate the Highway Code.
- There is a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in place.
- There is electrical street furniture or another EV cable channel within 2.5m of your vehicle.
- The footway includes a highway verge.
- There are obstructions (e.g. trees, cycle parking, pedestrian barriers).
- The installation would affect drainage (the footway must slope toward the road).
Step 2 – Application (Subsidy and Licence)
- Read the licence terms and conditions under Section 4, especially sub-section 5, which outlines your responsibilities pre and post installation
- Complete section 1 of the application pack. Typed signature is acceptable when received with the requested supporting email.
- The Highways team will check your eligibility and progress it internally. Any issues will be communicated
- On approval you’ll receive an invoice for the licence. This must be paid within 14 days.
- Email your application to enquiries@cornwallhighways.co.uk to begin the approval process. Please use the below template within the body of your email.
Email Template
Dear Cornwall Highways Team,
I am writing to apply for approval to install a cross pavement cable channel outside my property under the Cornwall Council EV Cable Channel Subsidy scheme, supported by the LEVI fund. Full details have been provided in section 1 of the attached application
I confirm that:
- I live at the property and either own it or have written permission from the owner.
- I can park legally on the road directly outside my home, with only the pavement separating my property from the road.
- A registered electrician has confirmed within the last 12 months that a suitable EV charge point can / has been installed at ground floor level within my property boundary.
- I will be using a 7.5kW or lower EV charger with the manufacturer-supplied cable only.
- I understand and accept my responsibilities regarding the subsidy and installation.
- I have attached the completed licence application
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
On approval you’ll receive an invoice for the licence. This must be paid within 14 days.
Step 3 –The associated EV Charger permissions
You’ll need to hold the following as this may be requested by the funders:
- Planning permission for the EV charge point. Visit the Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points
- Confirmation from an OZEV-registered installer that your charge point meets government safety standards.
Tip: You may be eligible for a government grant to help with the cost of the charge point. See useful resources section for further information on standards and grant.
Step 4 – Installation
Cormac are the approved contractor and will contact you directly to confirm a date. They aim to complete the installation within two months of licence issue.
Step 5 – Subsidy compliance. Provide Evidence of Your EV Charger Installation
Within 3 months of installation, send the following to driveev@cornwall.gov.uk:
- Invoice for the charge point.
- Make and model of the charger.
- Serial number.
Clear photos showing:
- The installed charge point.
- Its serial number.
- Its location on your property.
Please note funding maybe revoked if not provided.
Apply for a licence
Apply for a licence to install an EV Channel
How long does the application take to process?
An application takes 4 weeks to process.
How much does it cost?
A licence costs £175.
Please note that our licence fees are subject to review every year and licences submitted on or after the 1st April will be subject to any new fees.
Public Liability Insurance
Cormac Solutions Ltd hold the relevant qualifications and insurance to carry out the works.
Where can the channel be installed?
At present the EV Channel can only be installed across footways.
Can I reserve a parking space?
The parking space next to the cable gully remains public property. The applicant is not entitled to reserve the space.
Useful Resources
For information on Kerbocharge or EV Charging please follow the links below
- Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant for Households with On-Street Parking
- Infrastructure Specifications
- Kerbocharge
