ODS to install EV charging cable channels in Oxfordshire

ODS has been awarded a contract by Oxfordshire County Council to deliver cross-pavement electric vehicle charging channels.

The project will see up to 500 Gul-e cable channels installed across Oxfordshire’s residential streets. The channels enable trip-free charging directly from people’s homes to parked electric vehicles at the kerbside.

Cllr Ben Higgins, Oxfordshire’s cabinet member for future economy and innovation, said: “This is a significant landmark in this programme, which is part of a wider £4.3m government backed project to increase the number of EV chargers in the county.

“We’re excited to work with ODS in making EV ownership a reality for hundreds more Oxfordshire residents. A third of Oxfordshire householders don’t have off street parking, so this could be a real game changer and give residents the confidence to switch to an EV by being able to access home electricity rates.”

Oxford Direct Services (ODS) is directly owned subsidiary of Oxford City Council, for which it provides recycling and waste services on behalf of Oxford City Council.
Simon Howick, ODS managing director, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for ODS and Gul-e. Securing the UK’s largest cross-pavement charging tender is a huge vote of confidence in our solution and our team.

“More importantly, it proves that cross-pavement technology like Gul-e is both viable and scalable and can play a significant role in decarbonising local transport networks.” 

Applications were opened in July, with residents applying through the county council’s website to take part in the project. Applications are still open, and each site will be assessed for safety and suitability in line with the council’s criteria.

Approved sites will be recorded and marked by the council for a Gul-e installation. Residents will then be responsible for installing a compliant home EV charger.

It is hoped the programme will serve as a national model for other local authorities seeking cost-effective, accessible ways to support EV adoption for households without driveways, demonstrating how local innovation can drive the UK’s journey to net zero.

The Gul-e project is part of a wider county programme that will see at least 1,200 public EV chargers installed by the end of 2027 as part of Oxfordshire’s local EV infrastructure funding, announced by the government in 2024.