Drivers told they could save £1,100 a year after huge EV breakthrough

Motorists could save more than £1,000 per year by taking advantage of new charging technology tipped to revolutionise city centres.

East Lothian Council is the latest city to try out , a cable gully provider who promises to eradicate charging wires from pavements.

Cables will instead run underneath specially designed equipment which is vital for those without access to a private driveway.

The technology will allow road users to benefit from compared to

According to Kerbo Charge, drivers will typically save £25 every time they charge at home off-peak.

It means individuals could and could go on to save road users £1,100 per year in charging fees.

Councillor John McMillan, Cabinet Spokesperson for Environment, Economic Development and Tourism, was confident EV owners would benefit from the scheme.

He explained: "As more people switch to electric vehicles, they are discovering the benefits of charging from home.

"Not only is it much cheaper than charging in public, but they can leave the house every day with a full battery, and most people are unlikely to need to charge anywhere else, unless they are driving on the odd long journey.

"For people who don't have a driveway, or other convenient place to plug in near their house, there are a number of solutions coming forward which could allow them to enjoy these advantages too."

The trial is understood to be privately funded with no extra cost to the council in a major boost to electric car owners.

Hartlepool introduced the scheme back in April with trials also having taken place in Milton Keynes, Durham, Reading, Nottinghamshire, Bedford and West Berkshire.

Michael Goulden, CEO and Co-founder of Kerbo Charge, commented: "I'm delighted East Lothian Council is trialling home EV charging channels as they really do tackle an unfairness that needs addressing if we're going to hit our net zero targets."

It comes weeks after a report found widespread concern over electric charging infrastructure among road users.

A staggering 39 percent of those surveyed disagreed there were enough charging points for drivers to use. Meanwhile, 46 percent of individuals disagreed that public charging points were typically in good working order.

Cllr McMillan added: "While the council has guidance in relation to cable covers which temporarily run across a pavement, the Highway Code is clear that people should avoid creating a trip hazard and should highlight the presence of cables, such as with the type of cable covers we recommend.

"Cable gullies and cable arms offer potential solutions and I would encourage any interested residents to get in touch to see if they could participate in one of our trials."