Why This Scheme Matters
Roughly 40% of UK households do not have access to private parking, especially in urban or densely populated areas. Without affordable and convenient charging options, EV adoption can become impractical for millions of people. The ORCS aims to close this gap by providing:
- Public chargepoints close to home
- Safe and secure overnight charging
- Cost-effective access to low-emission transport
- Support for national Net Zero goals
In short, the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme is not just about infrastructure, it’s about enabling fair access to cleaner transport options across communities.
Who is Eligible?
While the scheme itself is managed by local authorities, any UK resident who:
- Drives or plans to purchase an electric vehicle
- Lives in a home without a driveway or garage
- Relies on on-street parking
…can benefit from new EV chargepoints installed under ORCS.
To get started, residents can contact their council’s sustainability or transport team and ask if their local authority is participating or planning to apply for ORCS funding.
How Does It Work?
- Local authorities apply for ORCS funding from OZEV and must show local demand and feasibility.
- Once approved, councils work with OZEV-approved suppliers to identify suitable sites and install the chargepoints.
- Residents are then informed when the infrastructure becomes available, and may need to register with an app or provider to use the on-street residential EV chargers.
Up to 60% of installation costs can be covered by the government under the scheme.
Key Benefits of the ORCS
- Increased EV adoption in communities with limited parking
- Reduced urban air pollution
- Support for councils in achieving local climate goals
- Long-term savings for residents on fuel and vehicle running costs
This scheme also complements other initiatives like the Domestic EV Chargepoint Grant, which supports private installations, ensuring a full spectrum of EV infrastructure solutions across the UK.
Case Study: Urban Charging in Action
Several cities, including London, Leeds, and Oxford have already embraced ORCS funding. In Oxfordshire, the council worked with community groups to map out high-demand areas and installed chargepoints that now serve thousands of drivers, boosting local EV uptake.
