No more necessities for planning approvals when installing electric vehicle charging points.
United Kingdom's Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, announced on May 29, 2025, a significant easing of planning regulations for electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint installations [1]. As a result, drivers and businesses will no longer be required to submit a planning application to install EV sockets at public or private locations.
The new rules are anticipated to reduce costs and delays, making it more accessible for individuals and businesses to adopt EVs, aligning with the government's broader ambition of an increased EV adoption rate [3]. The government estimates that these changes could potentially save EV owners up to £1,100 annually compared to operating a petrol or diesel vehicle, due to the streamlined process [3].
By simplifying the application process, more homeowners with driveways are expected to benefit from installing a home charger and charging their EVs more conveniently. The planning changes also apply to workplace and public charging points, enabling businesses to install new sockets faster and more affordably, increasing the number of public chargepoints available [4].
The Department for Transport (DfT) stated that nearly 80,000 public chargepoints are currently in place across the United Kingdom, with over 18,600 workplace chargepoints added last year [5]. Government support has also been available for renters, owners of flats, and those with on-street parking, offering up to £350 off the installation cost of a home charger [5].
Industry leaders have generally welcomed this measure as a "positive step forward," emphasizing that further action is nevertheless required for those without driveways to access affordable and convenient charging options [6]. On the issue of grid connection, concerns were raised about its impact on rural locations and areas without dedicated off-street parking [6].
- Department for Transport (DfT)
- gov.uk
- GOV.UK News
- BBC News
- allAboutElectric.com
- various industry publications and personnel
- The simplified planning process for EV chargepoint installations could potentially lead to increased technology adoption, as the reduced costs and delays encourage more individuals and businesses to invest in electric vehicles.
- With the new regulations easing the installation of EV chargepoints at public, private, and workplace locations, the government remains optimistic about significant savings in annual operating costs for EV owners, as compared to petrol or diesel vehicles.
