As more people in Harrow make the switch to electric vehicles, Harrow Council is working to make public charging as accessible and convenient as possible. We're committed to supporting a cleaner, low-emission borough and achieving our net-zero targets. Electric vehicles play a crucial role in reducing local air pollution and lowering carbon emissions. Whether you already own an electric vehicle or are thinking about getting one, we’re here to help make charging simple, affordable, and accessible.
At Home Electric Vehicle Charging in Harrow
At present, residents are not permitted to trail charging cables across pavements, as this poses safety and accessibility risks.
Harrow Council recognises the growing demand for home charging and is developing a home charging policy to explore safe solutions. One option under consideration is gully charging, which involves installing a recessed channel in the pavement to allow cables to run safely from a private charger to a vehicle parked on the street.
This would give residents without driveways the opportunity to charge at home conveniently and at lower cost, once a policy is approved.
In the meantime, we are expanding access to public charging for residents who do not have off-street parking. This includes:
• Lamp column chargers on residential streets
• On-street charge points in high-demand areas
• Charging bays in council-owned car parks
• Rapid chargers for faster top-up charging
Current Electric Vehicle Charging Projects in Harrow
On-Street Charging Rollout – ORCS Programme
In partnership with charge point providers, Harrow Council is installing a range of on-street chargers – including lamp column and flush-mounted chargers – as part of the Government’s On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS). This rollout began in April 2025 and includes over 100 new charge points in residential areas with limited off-street parking.
Expanding the Network – LEVI Fund
Harrow is also part of a six-borough London consortium that secured £1.25 million in funding from the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund. This funding supports the installation of higher-capacity, scalable charging solutions, helping us future-proof our network as demand for electric vehicles grows. Installations under LEVI are expected to begin in late 2025.
Rapid Chargers
Harrow is currently in the process of procuring a Charge Point Operator to install and operate rapid charge points across the borough in council operated car parks.
Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers
There are several types of chargers in Harrow, each suited to different needs:
• Lamp Column Chargers (5.5kW) - Ideal for overnight charging
• Standard/Fast Chargers (7kW–22kW) - Perfect for a daytime top-up
• Rapid Chargers (50kW) - Charge your electric vehicle to 10-80% in less than an hour great for quick turnarounds.
• Flat & Flush Chargers: Discreet units integrated into pavements; ideal for narrow streets
To find your nearest charger, visit Zap-Map.
Find or Request a Charging Point
Find a Charging Point
Use the interactive map tool (Zap-Map) to locate your nearest available electric vehicle charger.
Key Project Milestones
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April 2025 |
On-street electric vehicle charger installations begin (Trojan Energy & partners) |
|---|---|
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June 2025 |
First Phase of Flat and flush electric vehicle chargers operational |
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July 2025 |
Completion of 100 new chargepoints across the borough |
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December 2025 |
225 Lamp column chargers operational within the borough |
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March 2026 |
Site selection and installation of LEVI-funded chargepoints begins |
FAQs – What Residents Are Asking
When will Electric Vehicle chargers be installed in my area?
Installations are ongoing throughout 2025–2026 under the ORCS and LEVI schemes. Priority is given to areas with limited off-street parking.
How are sites chosen?
Site selection considers electric vehicle uptake, parking availability, resident requests, and technical feasibility based on government criteria.
Will I have to pay to use a charger?
Yes, charges apply based on electricity use. Pricing is set by the charge point operators and kept competitive.
Can I request a charger near my home?
Yes. Use our request form to suggest a location. While not all requests can be fulfilled immediately, they will inform future plans.
Will Electric Vehicle chargers reduce parking availability?
Most chargers are integrated into existing layouts. Some bays offer dual-use parking to minimise impact.
Are chargers maintained and reliable?
Yes, our partners manage maintenance under strict performance standards to ensure chargers are reliable and safe.
Are the chargers accessible for disabled users?
Yes, the LEVI rollout adheres to PAS 1899 standards to ensure inclusive, accessible infrastructure.
Are there grants to install a charger at home?
You may be eligible for the Government’s Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant—especially if you live in a flat or rental property. To find out more about your eligibility, visit Electric vehicle chargepoint grants - GOV.UK
Will there be enough chargers as Electric Vehicle use grows?
Yes. Harrow’s strategy ensures scalable expansion through government funding and borough-wide planning.
Electric Vehicle Myths – Busted!
- Myth: Electric vehicles are only for people with driveways.
Fact: Harrow’s on-street network is designed for those without private parking. - Myth: Public charging is too expensive.
Fact: Charging is often cheaper per mile than petrol—and costs are coming down. - Myth: There won’t be enough chargers.
Fact: Our network is expanding rapidly with long-term funding and planning. - Myth: Electric vehicle chargers and cables will block the street.
Fact: Designs are discreet and integrated to minimise clutter and preserve streetscapes. - Myth: Charging takes too long.
Fact: Most people charge overnight, and rapid chargers take as little as 30 minutes. - Myth: Electric vehicles are bad for the environment.
Fact: Electric vehicles produce significantly fewer emissions over their lifetime—especially when powered by renewable energy.