This page answers the most common questions about new on-street charge points. It tells you how they work and how you can request one.
Electric charge points FAQs
FAQs for on-street electric vehicle charge points
Why do we have charge points in residential areas?
More people are choosing electric vehicles for their low running costs and environmental benefits. We are helping residents and businesses to choose electric vehicles by providing easy ways to charge electric vehicles close to home. This supports our commitment towards creating cleaner air for our city and improved health for everyone who lives, works, visits and studies here.
Our award-winning system uses a charging point housed inside a streetlamp column or slimline bollard, enabling residents to safely charge their vehicle close to their home, on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Where can I find electric vehicle parking locations?
You can find a list of all locations here. You can also find charge point locations on the supplier’s website or by downloading their app, available from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Joju Charging
CityEV EVopencard
Will the charge point make any noise when a car is charging?
No, there is no noise from the charge point.
Will the electric vehicle parking space be marked?
Once we have confirmed that a resident in the area owns an EV the parking space will be marked to help you easily access the charge point.
If you would like to use a charge point which does not currently have a dedicated parking space, please email transportplan@portsmouthcc.gov.uk where you can request for it to be marked.
Can anyone park in the space?
The space can be used by any plug-in vehicle as long as it is using the charge point. These charge points are for shared use and not restricted to any one vehicle owner.
The space cannot be used by vehicles that do not require use of the charge point.
Will the parking bay be enforceable?
Yes – we want to make sure these spaces are kept clear so people can charge their vehicle when they need to. To park in the bay, the vehicle must be parked fully within the parking bay and connected to the charge point, otherwise a penalty charge notice may be issued.
How long can an electric vehicle park in an EV charge point bay?
We don’t have any time restrictions for electric vehicle charging bays at present. However, a vehicle must be connected to the charge point, which generally takes six to eight hours, or overnight.
How do I request a charge point in my street?
You can use our online form to request a residential charge point. Applications have now closed for the third phase of delivery, but you can still make a request that we can consider if more funding becomes available.
How does the charge point work?
The charge point draws electricity from the lamp column. To charge an electric vehicle you will need a standard charging cable.
To charge your vehicle simply scan the QR code on the charge point to get started or use the supplier’s app to find the location. The QR code will redirect you to the supplier’s website where you can submit your payment details. The supplier’s name is identified by the information marked on the charge point.
How long does it take an electric car to charge?
The charge points supply 3.5-5.5kW of power. As they draw electricity from lamp columns, they will take longer to charge than other types of charge points. The scheme is designed for residents to charge their vehicle overnight. We estimate that most electric cars will require six to eight hours for a full charge, however this depends on the size of the vehicle’s battery and so the charge time will vary.
To work out how long it will take to charge your vehicle, divide the battery size by the power of the charge point. For example, a 30kW battery / 5.5kW charge = 6 hours, which can be seen as a typical overnight charge rate.
How much does it cost?
To find out the charging tariff for each supplier visit the relevant supplier’s app
- Download the Joju charging app Joju on Apple App Store or Joju on Google Play
- Download the Ubitricity app on Google Play
What type of charging points are used?
The charge points are standard chargers with a 5.5kwh power output. Our charge points are ‘Pay as you go’. You will need a smartphone to scan a QR code on the charge point, or use the relevant supplier’s app. You don’t need to register to use the charge point – simply turn up and scan. Each charge point has simple instructions for how to use it printed on the lamp column or bollard.
Can any electric vehicle use it?
Yes, as long as it can use a type 1 or type 2 plug. This is standard for nearly every electric vehicle (EV). The charge points are suitable for charging hybrids as well as pure EVs.
Will the charge point drain electricity from the streetlight?
No, the charge point will use the spare electricity in the streetlight circuit, so lighting won’t be affected even if an EV is charging.
Where can I find out more?
For more information email transportplan@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
Can I charge my vehicle using my own power supply?
If you choose to charge your vehicle in the street, using your own electricity supply, it’s important that you do this safely and responsibly with the minimum of disruption to other road and pavement-users. Read our guidance on how to safely charge your vehicle from home