Plans have been outlined by the UK Government to mandate chargepoints in covered car parks as well as consultation on removing planning permission for cross-pavement EV charging gullies.
The reforms on charging gullies 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 UK Government said it would “consider” cutting red tape for EV drivers without driveway to make it easier to install cross pavement charging solutions, speeding up applications, and save drivers around £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.
In addition, the UK Government and Ofgem will work to ensure operators offer high quality connection as well as smooth and rapid connections for public charging, to “ensure the network is resilient and supports the ongoing rollout”, it said.
The Government will shortly launch a consultation on the package, enabling industry to inform how the reforms can best be implemented.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander said:
“Wherever you park your car we’re making it fairer, easier, and cheaper to make the switch to electric.
“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.”
Responding to the news, Vicky Read, chief executive of ChargeUK, said:
“Any measure which makes it easier for drivers to make the switch to electric is positive. But in order to make the transition to electric vehicles truly fair we need easily available and affordable charging at home, at work and in public, at on-street, en-route and destination locations. The public and private networks working together to support all drivers.
“This means creating a supportive investment environment for public charge points, removing barriers to deployment and taking action on costs, including addressing the inequality in standing charges and VAT.”
Matt Adams, Head of Transport at the REA, said:
“The news today is a massive step towards equal opportunity for renters to charge at home. Renters with new build covered car parks will now, rightfully be able to access a chargepoint. Making an EV more viable for millions of renters up and down the country. We also welcome the announced consultation on reforms to planning permissions for gullies and note other cross pavement solutions should also benefit.”
Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive Officer of EVA England, said:
“This is a hugely welcome move from Government on one of the biggest issues facing drivers today. 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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