How to charge an electric car without a driveway (step-by-step)
Apr 1, 2026
4 min read
You can charge an electric car without a driveway in three simple steps: park near a public charger, plug in using a cable or app, and charge while your car is parked. Most drivers charge overnight near home or top up while out, making it a simple part of their routine.
If you don’t have a driveway, charging an electric car might seem like the biggest hurdle.
It’s one of the most common questions people ask before switching: “Where would I actually charge it?”
For a long time, that uncertainty was valid.
Today, it’s much less of a barrier because charging has moved beyond the driveway and into everyday life.
If you’re still weighing up whether this works overall, read Can you run an EV without a driveway?
Charging without a driveway isn’t complicated
In fact, for most drivers, it comes down to three simple steps:
1. Park near a charger
This could be a kerbside charger on your street, a lamppost charger nearby, or a charger at a supermarket, car park, or workplace.
The UK now has tens of thousands of public charge points, with more added every month.
2. Plug in
Plug in your cable, start charging via an app or card, and leave it to charge.
3. Charge while parked
You don’t wait around - your car charges while you go about your day.
What this looks like in real life
Most drivers:
- Plug in near home overnight
- Top up while out
- Keep the battery charged
Once you’ve done it a couple of times, it becomes part of your normal routine.
Public charging can cost around 7p per mile vs 15–20p for petrol.
A full charge can cost ~£16 vs ~£75 for petrol.
Intelligent EV: personal leasing (for those with driveways and without)
EVs are for everyone - not just people with off street parking.
Intelligent EV is a personal leasing scheme that offers everything you need to drive electric - a selection of the latest cars, dedicated customer support, and servicing/maintenance packages included in the lease.
With No Driveway No Problem, you can get 50% off kerbside charging when using Ubitricity or Connected Kerb chargers or, either £800 or £400 Electroverse charging credit, depending on whether you take out a new or approved used car lease. See how No Driveway No Problem could work for you.
We also offer 10% off public charging via our Electroverse app. You don’t have to have a driveway to save money on charging!
Our claims explained
What do we mean by a 'typical EV'?
Our numbers are based on an MG4 EV.
7p per mile & £16 for full charge
This performance number has been calculated using the discounted kWh rate of 26p and a driving efficiency of 4.0 miles per kWh in an EV with a usable battery capacity of 61.7 kWh, such as an MG4.
26p p/kwh
This charging rate is based on Ubitricity’s Standard rate of 52p and Connected Kerb’s Standard Daytime rate of 52p having a 50% discount applied to them.
Petrol and diesel costs
Calculated using the RAC Fuel Watch - prices correct on 01/04/2026. Performance numbers have been calculated using a vehicle with a 50 litre fuel tank and an MPG of 40-55 such as a VW Golf 1.5l TSI.
Discounted kerbside charging fair use policy
Discounted kerbside charging is subject to a Fair Use Limit based on your specific lease length and mileage. Discounts apply to live gross tariffs at participating providers and revert to standard rates once your Fair Use Limit is reached.
