Plans to make it easier for people to switch to cheaper electric transport and heating, by making EV chargers, solar panels and heat pumps easier to install for renters, flat-dwellers and households without a driveway, have been announced today by Energy Secretary Ed Miliband.
“This summer, the government will legislate to introduce permitted development rights to expand EV charging provision, allowing for cross-pavement charging solutions and associated charging points.
“We will imminently launch a consultation on changes to building regulations and the introduction of an Ability to Charge.
“This will look to increase EV charging provision in new buildings and those undergoing major renovations, as well as give renters and leaseholders greater access to charging by making it easier to request and install charge points.”
He set out a package of new measures designed to accelerate the UK’s clean energy transition in response to ongoing global energy market volatility after last month’s new car registrations showed that one-in-five new cars were electrified and the second-hand market for them is also growing.
Speaking at the Good Growth Foundation’s National Growth Debate, Miliband committed the government to “doubling down” on its clean energy mission, with a series of announcements focused on the electrification of transport and home heating.
Key measures relevant to the EV sector include a commitment to legislate this summer to introduce permitted development rights for cross-pavement charging solutions; a forthcoming consultation on changes to building regulations to increase EV charging provision in new buildings and for renters and leaseholders; and a package of reforms to streamline planning and grid connection rules for clean energy infrastructure.
John Lewis, CEO, char.gy, said, “Today’s commitment to streamline planning and grid connection rules, unlock clean power across the public estate, and make charging easier for renters and flat-dwellers all point in the same direction: a future where nobody is left behind in the switch to electric simply because of where they live.
“Lamppost charging has always been about meeting drivers where they are, using infrastructure that’s already on every street in the country. These reforms will help unlock that potential at the scale and speed the transition demands, and char.gy stands ready to deliver.”
Michael Goulden, CEO, Kerbo Charge, added, “We’ve long called for the government to cut through the red tape that has been holding back cross-pavement charging, and today’s commitment to introduce permitted development rights this summer is exactly the kind of decisive action needed.
“With home charging five to ten times cheaper than public alternatives, this opens the door to genuinely affordable EV ownership for the millions of drivers who’ve been locked out simply because they don’t have a driveway.”
