As the UK continues to transition towards a low-carbon economy, the demand for electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure is growing rapidly. In response, the government has introduced various legislation and regulations to ensure that new developments in the UK are equipped with adequate EV charging facilities. In this article, we will explore the current EV charging legislation for developments in the UK and what it means for property developers, architects, and builders.
The UK government has set ambitious targets to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030, with a goal of having at least 50% of new car sales be electric by 2025. To support this transition, the government has introduced the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme, which provides a grant of up to £350 for the installation of a home EV charger. Additionally, the government has also introduced the Workplace Charging Scheme, which offers a grant of up to £300 per socket for the installation of EV charging points in workplaces.
For new developments in the UK, the government has introduced the Building Regulations 2010, which require that all new buildings have adequate EV charging facilities. The regulations specify that at least one EV charging point must be installed in each new building, with a minimum capacity of 7kW. The regulations also require that EV charging points be installed in a location that is easily accessible to residents and visitors.
Furthermore, the government has also introduced the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), which sets out the planning policies for new developments in the UK. The NPPF requires that all new developments have adequate EV charging facilities, and that these facilities be integrated into the overall design of the development. The NPPF also requires that developers consider the needs of EV users and provide adequate parking and charging facilities for residents and visitors.
In addition to the government’s legislation and regulations, there are also various industry standards and guidelines that must be followed when installing EV charging facilities in new developments. The Institute of Electrical Engineers (IEE) has published a guide to the design and installation of EV charging systems, which provides guidance on the technical requirements for EV charging systems. The guide also provides information on the safety and security considerations for EV charging systems.
Another important consideration for developers is the cost of installing EV charging facilities. The cost of installing an EV charging point can range from £1,000 to £3,000, depending on the type and capacity of the charger. However, the cost of installing EV charging facilities can be offset by the government’s grant schemes, such as the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme and the Workplace Charging Scheme.
Finally, it is worth noting that the installation of EV charging facilities in new developments can also have a positive impact on the environment. EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, which can help to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, EVs can also help to reduce energy consumption and costs for residents and businesses.
As the demand for EVs continues to grow, it is essential that new developments in the UK are equipped with adequate EV charging facilities. By following the government’s legislation and regulations, industry standards and guidelines, and considering the needs of EV users, developers can ensure that their developments are EV-ready and meet the needs of residents and visitors.
