Electric vehicles: frequently asked questions

What is an on-street residential EV chargepoint?

An on-street residential EV chargepoint is a device installed on public streets that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to recharge using low-power electricity typically for longer sessions.

In Portsmouth, we use power from streetlamps to supply these chargepoints. Where possible, the chargepoint is built into the lamppost itself. If that’s not feasible, it’s installed in a bollard on the pavement nearby.

Most chargepoints are next to marked EV parking bays. These bays are around six metres long and have road markings that say “ELECTRIC VEHS”. Signs nearby show that the bays are for plug-in electric or hybrid vehicles only. Parking a non-electric vehicle in one of these bays may result in a penalty charge notice (PCN), similar to parking on yellow lines or in disabled bays.

Why are chargepoints being installed in residential streets?

The number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Portsmouth has doubled since 2021 and by 2034, we expect more than 38,000 EVs on our roads. To support this growing demand, the council is committed to making EV charging more accessible for everyone.

Many residents in Portsmouth don’t have off-street parking, which makes home charging difficult. That’s why we’re expanding our network of on-street residential chargepoints. These are installed in lampposts or bollards and provide low-power, longer charging sessions on a pay-as-you-go basis.

This work is part of our adopted Electric Vehicle Infrastructure strategy and supports our wider transport goals to improve air quality, reduce emissions and promote sustainable travel.

It also meets national funding objectives set by the government, which prioritise support for residents without private driveways.

Can anyone park in an EV parking bay?

Any plug-in electric or hybrid vehicle can park in an EV parking bay, as long as it is plugged in and using the chargepoint. Chargepoints are for everyone who needs them and are not restricted to any one vehicle owner. Anyone parking in these bays with a non-electric vehicle could receive a penalty charge notice, similar to parking contraventions on yellow lines or in disabled bays.

Are EV parking bays enforceable?

Yes – we want to make sure these spaces are available 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 chargepoint, otherwise a penalty charge notice may be issued.

How long can an electric vehicle park in an EV parking bay?

There are currently no restrictions on how long someone can park in an EV parking bay, but any vehicles parked in them must be connected to the chargepoint and actively charging. We’ll monitor how the chargepoints are used and this may change in the future. Charging generally takes six to eight hours, and many people choose to charge their vehicles overnight.

Are Resident Parking Zone (RPZ) rules applicable to EV bays?

If an EV bay is located within a Resident Parking Zone, the vehicle does not currently require a permit for that zone. As with all EV bays the vehicle must be charging whilst it is in the bay to ensure fair access to the charepoint and a penalty charge noticed could be issued if a vehicle remains parked in a bay without charging.

We’ll monitor how the chargepoints and EV bays are used, and we may consider additional restrictions in future if needed.