Government To Simplify Home Charging For Electric Vehicle Owners

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a series of reforms aimed at making it easier for people without driveways to charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at home. Under the new proposals, the Government will consult on removing the current requirement for planning permission when installing cross-pavement charging gullies (channels that allow charging cables to pass safely under footpaths). It also plans to make charge points mandatory in all new covered car parks.

In addition, ministers intend to work with Ofgem to ensure that electricity costs are kept fair for all users, while also improving protections to stop landlords from overcharging tenants for home charging beyond standard market rates.

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 charge points across the country and open up affordable home charging to thousands more households.”

The announcement follows earlier commitments made during a debate in the House of Lords on the Planning and Infrastructure Bill, where the Government promised to support drivers without off-street parking. During the discussion, Baroness Pidgeon highlighted the challenges faced by residents seeking approval for cross-pavement charging solutions. She noted that installing these simple gullies — which enable a home charging cable to run safely under the pavement — can cost around £3,000 and take more than a year to gain local authority approval.

To help address this, the Government launched a £25 million fund in July to assist councils in providing discreet cross-pavement charging channels. The scheme is designed to make home charging more accessible and affordable for those living in terraced housing or flats without private parking.

Vicky Edmonds, CEO at EVA England, welcomed the move, saying: “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.”

The proposed changes form part of the Government’s wider effort to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles and expand the UK’s charging network. By reducing bureaucracy and supporting local authorities, ministers aim to remove barriers for the estimated one-third of households that do not have access to off-street parking, ensuring the switch to electric vehicles is practical for all drivers, not just those with private driveways.