Will new homes be required to have EV charging stations from 2022?

Not only are there currently about 25,000 public electric vehicle (EV) charging devices available in the UK as of 2021, but the UK Government has announced that all new homes in England will be required to have EV charging stations installed from 2022. This forms part of its plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

 

So, here is our guide to everything you need to know about the new regulation that will see EV chargers become an even more common sight up and down the UK.

 

What did the Government announce?

 

The news, as reported by various sources including Autocar, will see English building regulations modified so that EV chargers become a mandatory feature of new homes and non-residential properties, such as supermarkets and workplaces. The new rule will also cover properties that have undergone substantial refurbishment and have more than 10 parking spaces.

 

It is anticipated that the regulation will lead to as many as 145,000 extra charge points being installed across England each year – adding to the more than 250,000 home and workplace charge points the Government said it had already supported so far.

What is the Government’s grander plan?

The Government has previously stated that it intends to phase out the sale of new diesel and petrol cars by the year 2030, although there has been criticism in some quarters of a perceived lack of a clear plan on how this will be accomplished.

The new project is supposed to be another component of the Government’s plan to minimise emissions and position the UK as a global leader in tackling environmental challenges.

The Government has also been investing in new projects to convert wind energy into hydrogen, with its net-zero strategic approach expected to attract £90 billion in private sector investment.

What are EV charging stations?

An EV is a vehicle that runs on electricity rather than traditional fuels like petrol and diesel. EVs are completely charged by electricity, and have a gentler impact on the environment than petrol and diesel vehicles. They are also low-maintenance, cost-effective, and safe to drive.

The term “EV charging station”, meanwhile, refers to a charging point that supplies electrical power for plug-in electric vehicles.

 

How will the law be enforced?

The Department for Transport (DfT) has confirmed that the new requirements will be set through building regulations rather than the planning system. Installing a dedicated charger at home will set you back approximately £800, although the Government can offer you financial assistance with this.

Is the Government on track to meet demand for charging points?

Fears have been expressed about a lack of progress in satisfying demand for charge points. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), for instance, has estimated that there will need to be about 2.3 million public charge points in service by the end of the decade, to ensure adequate coverage and tackle range anxiety.

This would equate, however, to more than 700 new charging points needing to be installed every day from now until 2030. Recent statistics have indicated that only about 42 new charging points are being fitted per day.

So, there you have it – the future will be upon us sooner than you might think, as the EV revolution continues to take hold in the UK. In the meantime, though, you need to ensure your present vehicle is well-maintained and roadworthy.

Advanced Service Centre offer MOTs for customers in the Thurrock area of Essex. So, if you are a local driver in need of such attention being paid to your vehicle, why not enquire to us today for further information and advice?

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