It’s wrong to assume everyone can charge an EV on their driveways
October 19, 2026
For millions of households across the UK, charging an electric vehicle at home is not as straightforward as plugging in on their driveway. In this Zapgo Insights article, we explore the practical and financial barriers facing drivers without private parking, and why convenient public charging infrastructure is essential to making EV ownership accessible to everyone.
For millions of households across the UK, charging at home simply isn’t an option.
Over 8 million households in England (32% of the total) do not have access to off-street parking. And for these households, the ability to own an EV depends entirely on finding practical alternatives to charging at home.
As EV adoption continues to grow, we must recognise that public charging is much more than just a backup for drivers on longer journeys. For many, it is an essential part of everyday EV ownership.
Making public charging part of everyday life
This means expanding access to reliable public charging must remain a priority.
While the progress in the rollout of public EV charging is encouraging, the challenge is not simply increasing the number of chargers. It is ensuring they are located where drivers actually need them.
For motorists without driveways, convenient charging at supermarkets, retail parks, cafés and other local destinations can make a significant difference. Conveniently located public charging enables drivers to power up while shopping or meeting friends, rather than requiring them to make a separate journey just to charge their vehicle.
If the chargers are rapid and ultra-rapid, then the offer to motorists is even better: add meaningful range during a short stop and then be on your way.
Public charging is essential
At Zapgo, this principle sits at the heart of our approach. We are focused on bringing rapid and reliable charging to everyday destinations, making EV ownership more practical while supporting the local businesses and communities hosting our sites.
The existence of rapid and ultra-rapid charging does not completely negate the benefits of charging at home, but, ultimately, the UK’s charging infrastructure must reflect how people actually live. Access to convenient EV charging should not depend on whether someone happens to have a driveway.
If we want more drivers to feel confident making the switch to electric, we must make sure the infrastructure works for everyone, not just those fortunate enough to charge at home.
“Access to convenient EV charging should not depend on whether someone happens to have a driveway.”
