The Department for Transport has confirmed new rules for households with driveways in England, now in force. These changes affect both driveway and non-driveway households relying on off-street parking.
Key Changes
The first change simplifies EV charger installation by removing the need for planning permission across various sites in England. The second change increases the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant from £150 to £500, supporting households without driveways.
Grant Eligibility
These grants apply only to people living in or owning properties and businesses without driveways. EV owners with off-street parking will not receive funding.
EV Charger Permission Eased
The government plans to mandate chargepoints in new covered car parks and consult on removing planning permission for cross pavement charging gullies. Labour cabinet minister Lilian Greenwood said: "We're cutting down on paperwork to power up the EV revolution..." Lewis Gardiner of Osprey Charging Network added: "Removing the need for planning permission... will save months of delays." Jack Cousens of the AA noted: "The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner."
£500 EV Grants
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander referenced petrol price fluctuations, with home charging costs as low as 2p per mile. The DfT believes the £500 grant should cover around half the installation cost of an EV charger.
