No more planning hassles for EV chargepoints
May 29, 2025 by Siobhan Doyle
Car changing is a big deal
Drivers no longer need to submit planning applications to install electric car chargepoints, helping them save up to £1,100 a year.
Great news for electric car drivers, and anyone thinking of making the switch – from today, it’s now quicker, simpler and cheaper to install EV chargepoints at home or at work, thanks to new government changes cutting red tape.
The move means that many drivers and businesses no longer need planning permission to install public and private EV chargers, as confirmed by Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood. This change could help drivers save up to £1,100 a year on fuel costs by charging at home instead of filling up with petrol or diesel.
Less paperwork and more chargepoints
The new rules make it far easier for EV owners with a driveway to install a private charger. By removing the need for time-consuming planning applications, which are needed if your property is a listed building or is located in a conservation area, the government is speeding up the EV rollout and making it more affordable for households to power up at home.
Businesses benefit too. Companies can now install workplace and public chargepoints with fewer barriers, helping expand the UK’s charging network so drivers can top up more easily wherever they live or travel.
For those living in flats and those with on-street parking, existing government grants still offer over up to £350 off the cost of a home charger.
A boost for jobs and the economy
The government says the move is part of a broader push to support British carmakers, create high-quality jon, and grow the UK’s electric car industry. With over £2.3bn invested in EV infrastructure and manufacturing – including a new £1bn gigafactory in Sunderland – the UK aims to become a global leader in cleaner transport.
The country’s public charging network is expanding rapidly, with nearly 3,000 new devices added in April alone – one every 29 minutes – and nearly 80,000 public chargers now available across the UK. There are also around 1,663 free charging points across the UK.
Industry welcomes the change
Lewis Gardiner from Osprey Charging called the new rules “hugely welcome,” saying they’ll help speed up delivery of rapid charging hubs nationwide. Patrick Dunne from Sainsbury’s Smart Charge also praised the move, calling it a “streamlined approach” that will help more drivers make the switch.
Jack Cousens, Head of policy for The AA, has also welcomed the news: “With a target of 300,000 publicly available chargers by 2030, the government should be doing all it can to help reach this milestone. Removing the planning rules is a positive step and will help accelerate installations.
“The crucial element is ensuring grid connection in a timely manner. This is especially important in rural locations and areas where there is no dedicated off-street parking.”
As the UK continues its journey toward net zero, this change marks another step forward in making EV ownership easier, more affordable, and more accessible for everyone.
The RAC were pleased to see more options introduced for cheaper domestic charging, more work needs to be done to balance the costs for those who can’t charge at home.
RAC’s Senior Policy Officer, Rod Dennis, said: “Getting more drivers to opt for an EV next time around depends on reducing the costs and removing the obstacles some people face – and that includes having to seek planning permission for a home charger. Having one installed unlocks the prospect of incredibly cheap charging, so homeowners will welcome this announcement.
“It remains the case, however, that the relatively high cost of public charging, especially at rapid and ultra-rapid sites – which is so important for people who have no option of charging up cheaply at home – still needs to be tackled.”
Car change? Carwow!
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