Connected Kerb Charging Stations: The Word On the Street

As the UK shifts gears into an electric future, more and more drivers are questioning the feasibility of EV ownership without on-street parking.

But fear not, this is being handled—in part, by Connected Kerb. A British company with the goal of expanding public charging infrastructure. Specifically, kerbside.

Here, we take you through the Connected Kerb public charging network, including costs, locations, future plans, and more.

What is Connected Kerb?

In 2017, five forward-thinking founders came together to tackle the growing issue of charging an electric car without on-street parking by creating their own unique EV chargers for the many, not the few. These EV chargers are stationed kerbside. So, in theory, anyone and their dog can use them—as long as they have an electric car, of course.

But that’s not all. British-born, British-made Connected Kerb focuses on inclusive charging by providing both on-street and off-street EV charging solutions to expand EV charging infrastructure in the UK.

Find Connected Kerb charging stations at residential developments, workplaces, car parks and more. Connected Kerb is for everyone, covering blackspots in rural areas and supporting disabled EV users, too.

And that’s just the start. Recently, Connected Kerb has secured investment to help accelerate the expansion of charging infrastructure. Aviva and The National Wealth Fund teamed up to provide 65 million worth of funding.

The future looks bright—and green. In fact, with this investment, Connected Kerb forecast to install at least 300,000 public EV chargers by 2030, just in time for the 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.

What do the chargers look like?

To date, there are four types of chargers:

1. Chameleon: Bollard-style dual EV charging point for public on-street charging at 7kW-22kW
2. Gecko: Single charge point for car parks and on-street charging at 7kW-22kW
3. Limpet: Commercial and destination charging points at 7kW-22kW
4. Scarab: Wall-mounted EV charger for commercial and residential developments at 7kW-22kW

While the chargers come in different shapes and sizes, the green and black brand colours are distinct and instinctively recognisable.

As socketed or untethered charging points, the cable won’t be attached, too. Instead, a circular hole will be present. Sometimes, with a cover. Sometimes, without.

Where can I find Connected Kerb charging stations?

Nearly 6,000 Connected Kerb public charging points are available across the UK in 800 locations—and growing. So, you’ll likely find chargers near you, when out and about.

That said, to find Connected Kerb charging points near you, use popular apps such as Zap-Map and Octopus Electroverse and filter by charging network. Otherwise, use the Connected Kerb app or map online and locate chargers nearby directly.

Keep an eye out, though. Certain councils have already partnered with Connected Kerb for their electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

• Barking and Dagenham
• Cambridge
• Cardiff
• Caerdydd
• Dover
• Eastbourne
• Gloucestershire
• Harrogate
• Kent
• Milton Keynes
• Shropshire
• Sunderland
• Surrey County Council
• Wealden
• West Sussex

What charging speeds are available?

All Connected Kerb are available in either 7kW or 22kW AC charging speeds. How quickly will my car charge with this, you ask? Classified as fast EV chargers, EV drivers can charge their vehicles between four and eight hours with Connected Kerb charging stations.

How much does it cost to charge at a Connected Kerb charging station?

Across the board, Connected Kerb prices vary depending on where you are and whether you can charge with their smart charging rate.

Specifically, for locations with smart charging, prices are as followed:

For areas without access to smart charging, you will pay a flat 50p fee.

No memberships. No additional fees. Yes, please.

Discover how this compares to charging at home with our EV charging cost calculator.

How do I pay for Connected Kerb charging stations?

Overall, there are multiple ways to pay for easy, convenient charging sessions:

• Debit or credit card
• Apple Pay
• Google Pay
• Zap-Pay
• RFID card
• Connected Kerb app (Apple Store or Google)
• OVO Charge

How do I charge with Connected Kerb with the app?

• Find a Connected Kerb charger near you
• Park in the correct EV charging bay (usually marked)
• Download the Connected Kerb app
• Scan the QR code on the body of the Connected Kerb charging app or manually enter the ID of the charging point.
• Connect your charging cable to your electric car
• Press ‘Start charging’ on the app
• Once finished, press stop via the app
• Unplug your charging cable and put it back in your EV
• Drive off with a freshly replenished battery

Please note you will need a Type 2 charging cable.

How do I charge with an RFID card?

• Find a Connected Kerb charger near you
• Park in the correct EV charging bay (usually marked)
• Connect your charging cable to your electric car
• Scan the Connected Kerb RFID card on the unit
• Once finished, press stop via the app
• Unplug your charging cable and put it back in your EV

Is it worth using the Connected Kerb network?

Big picture-wise, we feel the Connected Kerb network is definitely worth using. If you’re near a Connected Kerb charging station and don’t have the option of an on-street EV charger, then absolutely take advantage.

Some even have spectacular views. Take the seaside town, Folkestone, for example. Nestled in a car park facing the beach, soak up the sun, take a dip or catch a wave while you charge your EV with Connected Kerb charging stations.

On top of this, plugging in with Connected Kerb is generally cheaper than other public charging networks: 79p at Shell Recharge, 79p at Osprey Charging Network, and 56p at Mer Charging Network. But while they are cheaper, they are also usually slower. So, be wary. Unfortunately, you won’t get 80% charge in 20 minutes like you would with an ultra-rapid charger.

We’re not the only one who thinks they are on the right path, too. They have earned industry-wide praise, securing multiple awards, including:

• Finalist for Zap-Map’s EV Driver Recommended Network (2023/24)
• Winner of Frost & Sullivan’s Company of the Year (2023)
• Winner of the Evies Best Consumer Proposition
• Finalist for the Employer Recognition Scheme

Beyond industry recognition, they also deliver exceptional customer support. With 24/7 phone and email assistance, you stay powered and on the move, no matter what. Reliable charging, guaranteed.

That said, if you are blessed with off-street parking (think garages and driveways), then we suggest choosing a smart home EV charger over using public charging networks. Charge for as little as 7p per kWh during off-peak hours with the right home charging set-up and EV tariff, such as Intelligent Octopus Go—at exactly the same charging speed as Connected Kerb EV charging.

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