Electric vehicle charge points in Dorset

Open the electric vehicle charging dashboard.

We will continue to track and publish this data on a regular basis.

How to use the dashboard

The data is interactive and can be explored by the user. Once opened click on a part of a graph to filter the other data displayed around it.

You can make data selections by moving the date slider or clicking on the down arrow next to the selection boxes or checking the checkboxes. If nothing is selected, all the data will be presented. When you make a selection, this will alter the graphs and tables to show the information for that selection. To remove a selection, select the eraser icon.

If you hover over a data point on any of the graphs, it will display more information for that data point.

To navigate between pages, either use the arrows at the bottom of each page or click the Home Page link to return to the page menu.

You can put the dashboard into full screen mode by clicking on the double headed arrow in the bottom right hand corner.

You can expand each graph or table to the whole screen by hovering over the top right-hand corner and clicking on the square symbol to take you into focus mode. Back to report, returns you to the dashboard.

If you hover over any graph, a right click of your mouse gives the option to view the data as a table. Back to report, returns you to the dashboard.

Some of the information presented in this webpage may not be fully accessible to someone using assistive technology such as a screen reader. If you need guidance or an alternative format email electricvehicles@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk with details of any preferred format and the assistive technology you use.

Mer provide everything you need to know about charging your electric vehicle on the Dorset public charge point network.

The dual socket (22 kW) fast chargers will charge most cars and vans in around 2 to 4 hours. Fast chargers are suited to destination locations where people are often parked for over an hour. 

Rapid chargers (50 kW and above) are suited in destinations where electric vehicles are parked for a quick break of less than an hour, and for use by fleet, commercial and taxi operators.

The Energy Savings Trust provides practical vehicle charging advice. We recommend downloading the Charging Best Practice Guide. 

There is a growing network of community based chargepoints around the country. These are mainly privately owned chargepoints which are rented out by the owner. You can find out more by visiting Co Charger - Neighbourhood EV charger sharing made easy (co-charger.com) or JustCharge (justpark.com).

If you experience a problem with a charge point on the Mer network, please report it immediately to the operator using the contact details displayed on the charge point. Check Zap Map to find an alternative charge point nearby.

It is cheaper to charge an electric vehicle compared to refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle. 

You can make payment per kW via the Mer app as a guest or with an account. View vehicle charging costs and overstay fees for the Dorset public charge point network. An overstay fee is applied after a grace period when a vehicle is connected and not charging. 

Car parking charges may apply when charging at Electric Vehicle (EV) bays in Dorset Council car parks. Please refer to car park signage for charges.

Parking fines will be issued to non-electric vehicles parked in an EV charging bay. 

Visit the Zap Map website to calculate how much it would cost to charge your electric vehicle.

On-street public charge points

Starting in 2025, Dorset Council will be installing residential on-street charge points to help residents charge their electric vehicles close to home.

We will be prioritising areas with limited access to off-street parking and invite residents to suggest possible locations in their neighbourhoods.

This new programme is funded by the Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure fund.

Locations for charge points will be based on the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors, while maintaining a safe and accessible network of footways.

Cross-pavement charging from home

Charging a vehicle on the street by trailing a cable from your home to a vehicle across the pavement is not permitted. The law does not currently give residents an unrestricted right to charge vehicles across the public highway.

We strongly advise that you do not charge an electric vehicle by running a cable across the public highway, even with the use of a cable protector or ramp. This could be regarded as an offence under The Highways Act 1980 and poses a danger to the public. If someone were to trip up and injure themselves, you could be prosecuted and liable under civil law.

Currently, there is no policy or process for residents to apply for permits to install pavement channels for charging cables. We are monitoring trials by other local authorities and are staying abreast of updates issued by the Government.

The Government Office for Zero Emission Vehicles released guidance in December 2024 on cross-pavement solutions for charging electric vehicles. We are reviewing this information and will update our advice as new policies and procedures are introduced.
 

Read about our Electric Vehicle Strategy