UK government to ‘cut red tape’ around home EV charging
There are two main ideas at stake: mandating EV charge points in new-build covered car parks, and removing planning permission requirements for those without driveways who wish to install pavement charging gullies. Currently, installing an EV charger outside of a private driveway is classed as development, which means applicants must go through a lengthy planning permission application if they want to install on-street EV charging. This includes meeting requirements such as minimising the ‘visual impact’ on the local area, making the charger ‘discreet’, and navigating a web of planning restrictions. Removing some of these requirements would greatly streamline the ability of both organisations and individuals to install new on-street chargers.
Additionally, the government is considering ways to speed up applications and refund fees to those looking to install roadside EV chargers, as well as “strengthen protections against landowners overcharging tenants for home charging above the market rate”. It has said it wants to ensure more people have “access to domestic electricity rates”, but details on how this will be achieved are still unclear.
The Department for Transport says it now plans to ‘shortly’ launch a consultation on the package so that the industry can help shape the new reforms.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “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.
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