EV home charging · Bristol

Can you charge an EV without a driveway in Bristol?

Bristol has closed applications for its cross-pavement gully trial. Its timetable shows autumn 2026 screening and a trial expected in 2027 after the council took over from City Leap. The older expression-of-interest link is not evidence that new applications are being accepted.

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Current scheme status

Applications currently closed

Applications closed — screening in 2026, trial expected 2027

Where the scheme applies

Bristol highway authority area; individual location and safety checks apply

Published cost position

Current participant costs and grant support must be confirmed with the council

Funding position

A planned trial or screening response does not establish grant eligibility. Check highway consent and the current national grant before installing a charger; funding is not automatic.

Your practical route

What to do next in Bristol

The correct order matters: do not buy a channel or arrange pavement work before the authority confirms the route.

Check the closed noticeThe council says applications have closed; the expression-of-interest period ran from March to August 2026.
Existing applicants should await updatesInitial screening is listed for autumn 2026 and the council now expects the trial to progress in 2027.
Use lawful charging meanwhileDo not install a private gully, overhead arm or pavement cable. Public charging remains the alternative while the trial is arranged.

Site and policy checks

What could prevent the project?

Likely barriers

New applications are currently closed
The revised 2027 timetable is not a guaranteed installation date
South Gloucestershire and North Somerset have separate council policies

Can I still apply through Bristol’s old expression-of-interest link?

The council page says applications have closed, even though it retains the earlier City Leap link. Treat the closed notice as the current position and wait for any new window announced by Bristol.

Official source

Confirm the current council position

Source last checked: 3 November 2026. This independent guide cannot grant highway permission or reserve a parking space.