What does UK Reform Mean for EV Charging Infrastructure?

The UK Government has put forward proposals to amend planning regulations in a move that could broaden the market for electric vehicle (EV) charging installation.

This initiative from the Department for Transport (DfT) is designed to remove obstacles that have previously hindered households without private driveways and those in rented properties from installing home charging systems.

These changes could create new project pipelines for construction and installation firms.

The proposals also aim to make domestic charging rates more widely available, which are often more affordable than public EV charging points.

Unveiling the plans, the UK's Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander states that the government's focus is now on removing the barriers that have prevented thousands of households from receiving the same benefits as others.

Overhauling planning for installation projects

Central to the government’s plan is a consultation on removing the need for planning permission to install discreet cross-pavement charging gullies. This change could reduce costs for residents by up to £315 in application fees and significantly shorten installation timelines.

This alteration in planning law presents a direct opportunity for construction firms to engage with a new market of homeowners and tenants seeking easier charging solutions.

The reforms would allow more families to charge their vehicles at lower domestic electricity rates. According to the Department for Transport, this could bring the cost of a journey from London to Birmingham down to approximately £3.15.

New build requirements and infrastructure mandates

In addition to the planning reforms, the Department for Transport is set to mandate the installation of charging points in all new covered car parks.

This requirement will directly affect new construction projects, expanding the nation's charging infrastructure in locations where renters and leaseholders frequently park their vehicles.

To safeguard consumers, the UK Government also confirmed it will work with the energy regulator Ofgem. This collaboration is intended to introduce stronger protections against landlords overcharging tenants for electricity used for home charging.

"Wherever you park your car, we're making it fairer, easier and cheaper to make the switch to electric," says Alexander. 

Investment and industry consultation

The UK Government is preparing to launch a consultation allowing industry stakeholders, including those in construction and engineering, to help shape the implementation of the proposed changes.

Alexander explains: "These reforms will improve infrastructure for the EV revolution, increase charge-points across the country and open up affordable home charging to thousands more households."

This announcement follows the £820m Electric Car Grant programme launched earlier in 2025, which supported more than 25,000 people in purchasing an EV.

The reforms also align with a £31.5m scheme from July created to help local authorities install discreet cross-pavement channel charging solutions.

In a related investment, the government is directing £480m to deploy more than 100,000 local public chargers across England, further addressing concerns about charging availability.

The UK secured a leading position in Europe's EV market in 2024, and with sales continuing to rise in 2025, the expansion of the charging network is a key priority. The network has grown to 86,021 charge-points nationally, though access remains inconsistent.

To ensure the electricity network can support this expansion, the Department for Transport will collaborate with Ofgem.

This partnership will aim to ensure that operators provide high-quality connections for new public charging infrastructure without compromising grid reliability.

"It's good news for motorists and a big boost for the growing British EV industry – cutting costs and supporting jobs to deliver our Plan for Change," Alexander explains.

The upcoming consultation will establish the specific timelines and mechanisms for these planning reforms, with input from industry shaping the final policy details.