Electric cars are becoming more common, but if you don’t have a driveway or garage, you might wonder how you’ll charge one. Many people live in flats or houses with only street parking. Can you still drive an EV without daily access to a private charger?
Yes, you can charge an electric car on the street. Many cities now offer public on-street charging stations, including lamppost chargers and curbside setups. While slower than home charging, these stations are accessible to anyone and often found in urban neighborhoods, car parks, and public areas. Some locations even offer free or low-cost charging.
More areas are making it easier to charge on the street. Whether you live in a busy city or an older neighborhood, you can usually find a charger nearby. Some are built into lampposts. Others are set up like parking meters. Most are easy to use once you know where to look.
How fast are on-street electric car charging stations?
Waiting around to charge your EV on the street may sound like a hassle. So how long does it actually take?
Most on-street EV charging stations are Level 2 chargers. They usually deliver between 3.7 kW and 22 kW, giving you around 10–30 miles of range per hour, depending on the car and charger.
Street chargers are slower than the rapid chargers at service stations, but they’re good for overnight or long parking sessions. Lamppost chargers are usually on the lower end of the speed scale, while curbside charging1 units connected to the power grid can offer higher output.
Can you use an extension cord to charge on the street?
If you park outside your home, you might think about plugging your EV in with an extension lead. But is this allowed—or even safe?
Using an extension cord2 to charge your EV on the street is not recommended and often illegal. It creates trip hazards, may violate city rules, and can damage your charger or vehicle.
Cables across pavements are unsafe for pedestrians. Many cities have rules against it, especially in public spaces. Charging this way may also void your EV warranty or cause electrical faults. It’s better to use proper on-street chargers built for public use.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car on the street?
You might expect public charging to cost more than charging at home. But how much more?
Street charging costs vary by location. On average, it costs £0.25–£0.50 per kWh in the UK, or $0.20–$0.40 per kWh in the US. Some cities offer free or discounted public charging.
Here’s a look at typical charging costs:
| Location | Average Cost (per kWh) | Cost to Fully Charge a 60kWh EV |
| UK (public curbside) | £0.30–£0.45 | £18–£27 |
| US (urban areas) | $0.20–$0.40 | $12–$24 |
| Free stations | £0 / $0 | £0 / $0 |
Check local apps and station signs before you start charging. Some operators charge by time, others by kWh. Overnight charging zones may also offer cheaper rates.
Is on-street electric car charging slower than home charging?
If you’ve been using a home wall charger, you might notice a difference when switching to the street.
Yes, on-street charging is usually slower than charging at home. Street units often range from 3.7 to 7.4 kW, while home chargers provide steady and faster power output.
Home chargers are built for regular, full charges. They’re reliable and wired directly into your household power supply. On-street chargers are shared and may run at lower speeds, especially if many cars use the same circuit. Still, they’re a good solution if you don’t have a private space.
How to find an on-street EV charger?
If you don’t know where to look, finding a charger can feel like a guessing game.
Use EV charging apps3 like Zap-Map, PlugShare, ChargePoint, or Google Maps. These apps show real-time charger locations, prices, and availability.
Apps can help you plan trips, avoid waiting, and filter for charger types. Some allow you to pay, reserve a charger, or start charging from your phone. If you’re in a busy city, you can even get alerts when a charger becomes free nearby.
Can you charge an electric car at any charging station?
You’ve found a charger. But can your EV plug into it?
Not all EVs work with all chargers. Most on-street stations use Type 2 connectors, which are standard in Europe. You need to check that your car’s port matches the charger’s connector.
Newer EVs often support Type 2 (AC) and CCS (DC) connectors. Older models or imports may use different types like Type 1 or CHAdeMO. Always check your manual or app before you plug in.
Is on-street EV charging safe and legal?
Charging in public might raise questions about rules and risks. So, is it okay?
Yes, charging your EV on the street is safe and legal when using official public chargers. These units are certified and follow national electrical safety codes.
Just follow the posted instructions and park within marked charging zones. Don’t force cables to stretch, and never use home extension cords across public paths. Stick with chargers managed by trusted providers, and you’ll avoid any trouble.
What happens if an EV runs out of charge on the road?
Running out of charge might sound like a disaster—but it doesn’t have to be. What should you do if your EV suddenly stops with zero battery?
If your EV runs out of charge, it will stop completely. You can call roadside assistance4, get towed to the nearest charger, or use a portable EV charger to get moving again. Some portable chargers let you plug into a regular household outlet5, if one is nearby.
Most EVs give you plenty of warning before hitting 0%, so total breakdowns are rare. But if it happens, you have options. Many EV drivers keep a portable Level 1 charger in the trunk. These plug into a standard wall outlet and can give your car a few extra miles—enough to reach a proper charging point. It’s slow, but it can help in emergencies. You can also call a mobile charging service or roadside tow. Just like running out of petrol, a bit of planning can save you stress.
Conclusion
You can charge an electric car on the street, and many people do it every day. Public charging stations are slower than home chargers but still useful, especially in cities. As long as you plan ahead, use safe equipment, and rely on good apps, street charging can be a practical way to keep your EV running without a private driveway.
READ ON:
AC vs. DC EV Charging: What’s the Difference?
Do Longer EV Cables Take Longer to Charge?
How to Charge an Electric Car at Home?
Are Public EV Chargers AC or DC?
- Explore this resource to understand curbside charging, its benefits, and how it supports EV users without private parking. [↩]
- Explore this resource to understand the risks and legalities of using extension cords for EV charging, ensuring safety and compliance. [↩]
- Check out this resource for top apps that help locate EV chargers and streamline your charging experience. [↩]
- Find out how roadside assistance can help you when your EV runs out of battery on the road. [↩]
- Explore this resource to understand the feasibility and safety of using a household outlet for EV charging. [↩]
