The UK government has announced plans for a new law that will make it easier and cheaper for households without driveways to charge electric vehicles (EVs) at home. The proposed changes, subject to consultation, will mandate that leaseholders install EV charge points in covered car parks and scrap planning permission rules for pavement charging points, saving drivers £250 in application fees.
How the Law Change Works
The Department for Transport stated that these reforms will allow more drivers to access standard household electricity rates instead of relying on expensive public chargers. Charging an EV at home on a cheap tariff could cost just 2p per mile, equivalent to £2.50 for a journey from London to Birmingham, according to the department.
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.”
Impact on Public Charging Infrastructure
The government noted that much of the public charger growth has occurred outside London, with installations in the rest of the UK growing by 24.3% compared to 21.7% in the capital. The new law aims to further expand access to affordable home charging, particularly for renters and those without off-street parking.
A Department for Transport consultation released in November stated: “Reliable and comprehensive charging infrastructure is needed to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles. The majority of EV charging takes place at home, and we expect this to continue.”
Cross-Pavement Charging Solutions
The proposed changes include introducing a permitted development right (PDR) for cross-pavement charging solutions, which allow charging cables to cross pavements safely, minimising trip hazards for pedestrians, especially those with mobility or visual impairments. Currently, up to three separate permissions are required from local authorities, but under the new rules, planning permission would be granted nationally via PDR, though section 178 and street works permissions would still be needed.
The consultation document added: “To ensure everyone can benefit from reliable and cost-effective EV charging, including those who have accessible on-street parking, the government is therefore consulting on introducing a PDR for cross-pavement solutions and also a dedicated chargepoint…”
Benefits for Drivers and the EV Industry
The reforms are expected to boost the British EV industry by cutting costs and supporting jobs. The government emphasised that these changes are part of its Plan for Change, aiming to deliver fairer access to EV charging and accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
