A new rule change in England is set to transform how electric vehicle (EV) owners install chargepoints, potentially saving households more than £1,100 each year. The Labour government has introduced a streamlined process that significantly reduces the paperwork and costs involved in setting up public and private EV chargepoints, encouraging wider adoption of electric vehicles.
Currently, the UK boasts nearly 80,000 public chargepoints, with a new one installed every 29 minutes. This robust infrastructure ensures EV drivers are rarely far from a charging option. However, the latest changes focus on making it easier for drivers with private driveways to install their own chargepoints, enabling quicker, simpler, and more affordable access to home charging.
Moreover, these planning reforms extend to workplaces and public charging facilities, enabling businesses to deploy new chargepoints more rapidly and at lower costs. This expansion aims to enhance the network of public chargepoints, allowing drivers to charge conveniently wherever they live and travel.
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EVs offer compelling financial benefits. According to the government, driving an EV can cost as little as 2 pence per mile, making them an affordable alternative to traditional vehicles. Furthermore, the price of EVs continues to fall, with nearly 40% of used EVs available for under £20,000 and 29 new models priced below £30,000. With modern EVs typically offering ranges close to 300 miles per charge — sufficient to travel from London to Newcastle without stopping — concerns over range anxiety are diminishing.
Patrick Dunne, Chief Property and Procurement Officer at Sainsbury’s and Managing Director of Smart Charge, praised the new regulations. “At Smart Charge, we understand the importance of making EV charging simple, reliable, and accessible to support cleaner transport and meet drivers’ everyday needs across the UK. We welcome this streamlined approach to installing chargepoints, which we believe will accelerate the nation’s shift to electric vehicles,” he said.
This new driveway rule represents a major step forward in making EV ownership more convenient and affordable, supporting England’s broader goals of reducing emissions and promoting sustainable transport.