A new rule affecting all driveways in England, introduced in May 2025, has eliminated the need for planning permission to install electric vehicle (EV) chargers at private homes, public streets, and workplaces. The change, announced by the Department for Transport last year, aims to accelerate the UK's EV infrastructure by reducing bureaucratic hurdles that previously could delay installations by up to nine months.
Lilian Greenwood, minister for the future of roads, stated: 'We’re cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution so that drivers, businesses and those looking to make the switch will have more chargepoints to power from and less red tape to deal with.' The government has invested over £2.3 billion to support drivers and boost the EV sector.
Industry experts have welcomed the move but highlighted ongoing challenges. Jack Cousens, head of roads policy at the AA, emphasised the need for timely grid connections, especially in rural areas without off-street parking. RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis noted that while removing obstacles is positive, the 'relatively high cost of public charging still needs to be tackled.'
Home charging offers convenience and lower electricity tariffs, but installation considerations vary. For those with off-street parking, a standard 7kW wallbox can fully charge a typical EV overnight. Alternatives for terraced properties include pavement gullies to run cables safely, though council consultation may be required. Flat owners may face more limitations, but incentives are available.
Renters need landlord approval before installation. Faster 22kW chargers require a three-phase power supply, which is not standard in most UK homes and may incur additional upgrade costs. Tethered chargers come with a permanent cable, while untethered models require manual connection.
