New Car Charging Technology Trials for Milton Keynes

Milton Keynes City Council trials the Kebro Charge device which has a narrow channel that keeps the cable from becoming a pavement trip hazard.

12:51 20 March 2023

Milton Keynes City Council is currently trialling a new car charging technology designed to allow more people to charge their electric vehicles at home. The local authority has partnered with Kerbo Charge for the installation of the devices with a pre-made channel and a hinged lid that fits between pavement slabs to prevent a cabling trip hazard. The devices are meant for electric car owners without private drives or parking at home. 

The authority said it would "unlock home charging for more local people without off street parking, as well as potentially saving them more than £1,400 per year compared to charging solely at fast public chargers".

John Obidipe, who lives in Oxley Park and who is among the first to trial the product, said: "I've not felt particularly comfortable trailing a cable over the pavement to charge my car, and public charge points are very expensive. Now I can safely charge at home, which I'm really happy about."

Cabinet member for climate action and sustainability, Cllr Jennifer Wilson-Marklew said: "This is a really innovative and exciting trial which could encourage people to make the switch to electric.

"We're constantly looking for ways to improve charging facilities and give people the confidence that they will be able to charge their cars.

"This is another step towards us setting the standard and leading the way towards a net zero future. I'm looking forward to hearing from John and Grace to see how it's working out for them."