On-Street EV Charging Explained

On-street charging lets you power your EV at the kerb using lamppost points, bollards, and standalone posts, and almost all of them are untethered AC, so you bring your own Type 2 charging cable. Speeds usually run from around 5 to 7kW on lampposts up to 7.4kW or 22kW on newer posts, ideal for slow overnight charging while the car is parked. You start and pay through an app or contactless, and the golden rule is to keep your cable tidy so it never trips a pedestrian. For drivers without a driveway, on-street charging is the everyday backbone.

At a glance: types of on-street charger

What is on-street EV charging?

It is public AC charging built into the kerbside so people without off-street parking can charge where they live. Councils and networks fit chargers into lampposts, bollards, and posts along residential streets and in town centres. Almost all are untethered, providing a socket rather than a fixed cable, so you plug in your own Type 2 lead. Power is usually enough for a good overnight charge rather than a rapid boost. You typically activate and pay via an app or contactless card, and availability is growing as more councils roll them out.

Do I bring my own cable for on-street chargers?

Yes, nearly always. On-street AC points are untethered, so the charger has a socket and you supply the cable. This is the opposite of rapid DC hubs, which are tethered and provide the lead. Because you rarely park right beside the socket, length matters more here than on a driveway.

• Carry a 7m or 10m Type 2 cable for on-street use.
• A 5m lead only works if you can park immediately next to the point.
• Keep the cable bagged in the boot to protect the pins.

How fast is lamppost charging?

Lamppost chargers are slow by design, usually around 5 to 7kW, which suits an overnight charge rather than a quick top-up. At that rate you might add roughly 25 to 30 miles per hour at the top end, so a full overnight session covers most daily driving. Standalone posts can be quicker, at 7.4kW or up to 22kW AC, but remember a cable only delivers what the weakest link allows. If your car caps AC at 7.4kW, a 22kW post still charges at 7.4kW.

How do I use a pavement cable safely?

Keep the run short, route it neatly, and use a cable protector where it crosses a footway. A lead trailing across the pavement is a genuine trip hazard, especially for wheelchair users, buggies, and people with sight loss. Where the cable must cross, a rubber cover or gully lowers the risk. Coil away any slack rather than leaving loops on the ground. Check your council's rules first, as some restrict or guide kerbside charging, and if a spot cannot be made safe, use a different charger nearby.

How do I pay for on-street charging?

Usually through the network's app or by contactless on the unit, depending on the operator. Set up the relevant app and payment before you need it so your first session is smooth. Rates vary by network and are typically higher than a home off-peak tariff of around 7 to 10p per kWh but lower than motorway rapids, which are often around 45 to 80p. Always check current rates in the app. Some networks offer subscriptions that lower the per kWh price for regular users.

Frequently asked questions

Do all on-street chargers need my own cable?

Almost all do. On-street AC chargers such as lampposts, bollards, and posts are untethered, meaning they provide a socket and you bring your own Type 2 cable. Only rapid DC hubs are tethered and supply the lead. Because you often cannot park right beside the socket, a 7m or 10m cable is usually the safest choice on-street.

How fast is a lamppost EV charger?

Usually around 5 to 7kW, which is designed for slow overnight charging rather than a quick boost. At the top of that range you might add roughly 25 to 30 miles per hour. That is plenty for most daily driving if the car charges overnight. Standalone posts can be faster, but your car's onboard charger sets the real ceiling.

What cable length do I need for on-street charging?

A 7m or 10m Type 2 cable is usually best, because kerbside sockets are rarely right next to your car. A 5m lead only works when you can park immediately beside the point. Longer cables reach further but are heavier and pricier, so pick the shortest length that comfortably reaches your usual spot.

Is on-street charging safe in bad weather?

Yes. Type 2 connectors are designed to be safe to plug in and are weather resistant once mated. Keep the pins dry before connecting, avoid resting the connector in puddles, and replace the protective caps when the cable is idle. The bigger safety point is keeping the cable tidy so it does not trip pedestrians.

How do I pay at an on-street charger?

Usually through the network's app or by contactless on the unit, depending on the operator. Set up the app and payment before your first session. Rates vary and are typically above a home off-peak tariff but below motorway rapids, so check current rates in the app. Some networks offer subscriptions that reduce the price for frequent users.

Can I reserve an on-street charging bay?

Generally no. Most kerbside chargers work on a first-come basis and the bay is not reserved for you. Some networks show live availability in their app so you can see if a point is free before you set off. If your usual charger is taken, having a backup point nearby keeps your routine running smoothly.

On-street charging is the everyday answer for kerbside drivers: untethered AC points, your own longer cable, and a tidy pavement run. For the wider picture see how to charge an EV without a driveway, and to charge safely on a footway read EV cable covers and pavement safety. When you need a lead with proper reach, browse the Type 2 charging cables and choose 7m or 10m for kerbside use.