The government has revealed a series of measures which it hopes will encourage motorists without off-street parking to switch their car to electric.
It is proposing removing planning permission currently needed for those without driveways to install discreet cross pavement charging gullies: channels dug into the pavement, through which a charge cable can run and remain flush with the service. A simpler process, says the government, could save up to £250 in application fees.
It is also planning to work with energy regulator Ofgem to protect against landowners overcharging tenants for home charging above the market rate.
The mooted reforms, which industry will be invited to consult on shortly, would give people living in the estimated 40% of properties without driveways access to domestic electricity rates. Charging at home can currently cost as little as 2p per mile, a more affordable option than public charging.
Another planned change is to require that new covered car parks, such as multi-storeys, will be required to have EV chargers available for those parking.
Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, says: “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.”
The commitment builds on the launch of the £650m Electric Car Grant (ECG) earlier this year, which is offering discounts of up to £3,750 off 39 car models.
And it follows a £25 million scheme announced in July to support local authorities to provide discreet cross-pavement channel charging solutions for residents without a driveway
