No driveway? No problem. In 2025, thousands of UK drivers run EVs happily from flats and terraced houses using on-street chargers, rapid hubs, and workplace charging—all stitched together by smart planning.

The barrier that stops many—solved

Living in a terrace or apartment with only on-street parking can make home charging feel out of reach. But you don’t need a private driveway to enjoy EV savings, smooth driving, and low maintenance. The trick is a mindset shift and a simple weekly plan—supercharged by the ONEEV app to find live, working chargers and pay seamlessly across networks.

Step 1: Change the habit—from “filling up” to “topping up”

EV life is like charging your phone. You don’t wait for 0%—you opportunistically add charge while doing other things. Think: gym sessions, the weekly shop, Sunday brunch, or an evening cinema trip. Those little boosts remove the “big fill-up” headache.

  • Plan light: Aim to keep your battery between 20–80% most of the time.
  • Stack habits: Plug in whenever you’ll naturally be parked for 45–120 minutes.
  • Use live data: ONEEV shows availability and pricing before you arrive.

Solution 1: On-Street Residential Charging (your local overnight option)

Many councils are rolling out lamppost and kerbside bollard chargers—typically 5–7 kW—for affordable overnight charging, funded in part through national schemes.

How it works

  • Park on your street, plug in, and leave the car to charge while you sleep.
  • Pricing is usually competitive vs public rapids; ideal for routine top-ups.
  • Units are discreet and designed to keep pavements clear.

How to get them near you

Most councils accept resident requests and prioritise streets with demand. Submit a location request and encourage neighbours to do the same.

Useful links: UK government EV charging support • Energy Saving Trust: EV advice

Solution 2: The public network becomes your “petrol station” (with better coffee)

Build a simple routine around the three main public charging types. ONEEV helps you filter by speed, see live status, and pay in-app.

2A. Weekly top-up at rapid hubs (your big range hit)

Where: Multi-bay hubs at supermarkets, retail parks, or near A-roads.
Routine: 25–40 minutes while you shop adds ~150–200 miles, enough for the average UK week.
ONEEV tip: Filter for 100–350 kW chargers and check live occupancy before you set off.

2B. Opportunity charging while you do life

Where: 7–22 kW “fast” chargers at supermarkets, gyms, leisure centres, cinemas.
Routine: 1–2 hour stays add 20–50 miles. Do this a couple of times a week and you’ll rarely need a long rapid session.
ONEEV tip: Use price + speed filters to pick the best value near your usual stops.

2C. Kerbside & lamppost units around town

Spotted an empty lamppost charger near a friend’s house or your dinner booking? Plug in and add useful miles while you’re out.

Solution 3: Workplace charging—the stealth superpower

If your employer offers EV charging, you’re laughing. Arrive, plug in, leave full. It’s often subsidised or free to employees.

  • Ask HR or Facilities about installing charge points—grants exist to help businesses.
  • Even 1–2 workplace sessions per week can cover typical mileage.

Useful link: Workplace Charging Scheme (guidance)

About running a cable across the pavement (read this first)

Dragging a cable over the footpath is unsafe and can create liability. The only safe/legal path is with council permission and a professionally installed pavement channel (e.g., recessed gully) that keeps cables flush.

  • Seek explicit council approval before any installation.
  • Use a certified installer and approved hardware.
  • Even with a gully, maintain clear access for pedestrians and wheelchairs.

Your simple weekly plan (no driveway needed)

  1. Sunday: Check ONEEV for your week’s errands near fast/rapid chargers.
  2. Mid-week: 60–90 min fast charge during gym/cinema = +30–60 miles.
  3. Weekend shop: Rapid hub 25–35 min = +150–200 miles.
  4. Ad-hoc: If you spot an open kerbside charger near home, take it for a few hours.

Choosing an EV for life without a driveway

  • Fast charging speed matters: Look for 100 kW+ peak DC capability to shrink weekly rapid stops.
  • Efficiency beats headline battery size: An efficient EV can travel farther per kWh and charge faster from low to 80%.
  • Good app + scheduling: Pre-condition the cabin on cold mornings while plugged in to preserve range.

On-street charging etiquette (be the driver everyone likes)

  • Keep rapids to 80% unless you truly need more.
  • Move on promptly when you’re done—especially at busy times.
  • Report faults in ONEEV so the next driver isn’t left guessing.

What will it cost without a driveway?

Home electricity is usually cheapest, but a driveway isn’t mandatory for affordable driving. Mix value fast chargers with occasional rapids and you can still beat petrol.

Illustrative example: 180 miles/week at an average 4.0 mi/kWh ≈ 45 kWh. If your mix averages 35p/kWh, fuel ≈ £15.75/week (≈ 8.7p/mile). Petrol at 40 mpg and £1.45/litre is ≈ 18–19p/mile. Your numbers may vary—ONEEV shows live prices before you plug in.

Accessibility & safety

  • Prefer bays with clear kerb transitions and adequate pavement width.
  • Use short, high-visibility cables to reduce trip risk.
  • Charge in well-lit areas; lock the connector if your car supports it.

The tools that make this effortless

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really own an EV without a driveway?
Yes. Combine weekly rapid top-ups with opportunity charging at shops/gyms and kerbside units. Thousands already do this successfully.
How do I request an on-street charger?
Check your council’s website for an EV charge-point request form and submit your street. Encourage neighbours to do the same.
Is running a cable over the pavement legal?
Not without permission. It’s unsafe and risks liability. Only consider a council-approved recessed gully installed by professionals.
How long will a weekly top-up take?
A 25–40 minute rapid session usually adds ~150–200 miles, enough for an average UK week.
What if I can charge at work?
That’s ideal. Even 1–2 workplace sessions weekly can cover most mileage at low cost.

Own the routine—without owning a driveway

Download ONEEV, set your weekly plan, and let live data do the heavy lifting. Next, level up with our guide: Top 7 Must-Have Apps for Every UK EV Driver.