The plans, revealed by the government today (29th October), will make it easier for renters and leaseholders to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers by mandating chargepoints in new covered car parks. The plans will also involve consultations on removing planning permission currently needed for those without driveways to install discreet cross pavement charging gullies, as the government bolsters its drive to make it easier than ever to plug in wherever you live.
The reforms would give more people access to domestic electricity rates, enabling families to run their EVs for as little as 2p per mile – the equivalent of London to Birmingham for £2.50.
The government has confirmed it will consider cutting red tape for EV drivers without driveways to make it easier to install cross pavement charging solutions, speeding up applications and putting money back in drivers’ pockets by saving them up to £250 in application fees.
It will also work with Ofgem to ensure public costs are fair and strengthen protections against landowners overcharging tenants for home charging above the market rate.
On top of this, government and Ofgem will work to ensure operators offer high quality connections as well as smooth and rapid connections for public charging, to ensure the network is resilient and supports the ongoing rollout.
The government will shortly launch a consultation on the package, enabling industry to inform how the reforms can best be implemented.
“Wherever you park your car, we’re making it fairer, easier, and cheaper to make the switch to electric” said Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander. “These reforms will improve infrastructure for the EV revolution, increase chargepoints across the country and open up affordable home charging to thousands more households. It’s good news for drivers and a big boost for the growing British EV industry – cutting costs and supporting jobs to deliver our Plan for Change.”
The commitment builds on the launch of the £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) earlier this year, which is offering discounts of up to £3,750 off 39 car models. The grant has sparked increased demand in EVs and has helped more than 25,000 drivers to make the switch so far.
The move follows a £25 million scheme announced in July to support local authorities to provide discreet cross-pavement channel charging solutions for residents, so more people without a driveway can charge easily and cheaply at home. The government is also investing £381 million to roll out more than 100,000 local public chargers across England.
The UK ranked number 1 in Europe’s EV market in 2024 and sales are up nearly a third so far this year.
"This is a hugely welcome move from Government on one of the biggest issues facing drivers today" added Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer of EVA England. "Our recent survey shows access to affordable home charging is a top priority for EV drivers and those considering making the switch. Cutting red tape so renters and those without driveways can charge at home is exactly the kind of common-sense reform drivers have been crying out for. It's a big step towards fairer, cheaper and more accessible charging for everyone."
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