Electric charging over the sidewalk
The “charging on the sidewalk” pilot program has been completed. We are currently reviewing the final questionnaires completed by participants and nearby residents. This will give us a comprehensive picture of the experiences and implications of this method of charging. The city council will decide this year whether or not to allow charging with a cable on the sidewalk.
What does the trial involve?
The trial involves allowing electric car owners to charge their vehicles via an extended private connection (VPA). This means that the charging cable is laid from one's home across public space, such as the sidewalk, to charge the car in a public parking space. Currently, the use of a VPA is not allowed under the General Ordinance because it can impede passage on public roads.
Purpose of the trial
The municipality is conducting this trial because several residents with solar panels but without their own driveway have asked if they can charge their cars from their homes. The trial should provide insight into the social and spatial consequences of allowing VPA's. During the one-year trial period, only participants will be allowed to charge their cars via a VPA. The use of a cable mat or cable duct is mandatory. The cable must never be laid 'exposed' in public spaces (on the sidewalk). The municipality will provide the cable mat and cable duct to the participants in the pilot. The cable duct will be installed by the municipality in the sidewalk at the participant's home.
After the trial
The trial started on July 1, 2025, and will last for one year. The municipality reserves the right to extend the trial period by one year. After the trial period, an evaluation will be conducted to decide whether charging via an extended private connection (VPA) will be permanently permitted. Both participants and local residents will be asked for their opinion to assess whether this is desirable. Until a final decision has been made, only trial participants will be allowed to continue using a VPA.
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