England is preparing to be the first country to equip all new-build homes with electric car chargepoints, supporting low-emission drivers.
This month, in a public consultation on changing building regulations in England, the government has announced its intention to make electric car points compulsory for all new-build homes.
The legislation would be a world first. In its efforts for England to become the global leader in the race to net zero emissions, the government intends to promote the uptake of electric vehicles throughout the UK.
It is one of several proposals as part of the £1.5 billion Road to Zero Strategy by the government, to elevate the country’s electric vehicle infrastructure network to one of the best worldwide.
So far, through grant support schemes, the government has enabled around 100,000 new household chargepoints. Currently, the government gives up to £500 off the installation costs to install a chargepoint at home.
Smart technology can reduce costs
Providing dedicated charging points for all new homes with parking spaces would make charging more convenient and cheaper for drivers.
The advances of ‘smart’ technology provide the opportunity to improve overall efficiency of chargepoints. The government is backing the drive to install new rapid and super powered chargepoints which accept payment via a credit or debit card by spring 2020.
The consultation proposes using powers under the Automated and Electric Vehicles Act to require most new chargepoints to have smart functionality and meet minimum standards. This would promote off-peak charging and reduce consumer costs because an electric vehicle would charge at different times of the day in response to signals, such as electricity tariff information.
Former Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: “With record levels of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads, it is clear there is an appetite for cleaner, greener transport.
“Home charging provides the most convenient and low-cost option for consumers – you can simply plug your car in to charge overnight as you would a mobile phone.”
