On Wednesday, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced the Government’s plans to make it fairer for renters and those without a private driveway to charge their electric vehicle (EV). The plans would make it easier for renters and leaseholders to install EV chargers by mandating chargepoints in new covered car parks and consulting on removing planning permission currently needed for those without driveways to install discreet cross pavement charging gullies. The DfT says the reforms could allow families to charge their EVs for as little as 2p per mile, equivalent to a journey from London to Birmingham for around £2.50. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander MP, commented on the plans: “Wherever you park your car, we’re making it fairer, easier, and cheaper to make the switch to electric. “These reforms will improve infrastructure for the EV revolution, increase chargepoints across the country and open up affordable home charging to thousands more households. “It’s good news for drivers and a big boost for the growing British EV industry – cutting costs and supporting jobs to deliver our Plan for Change.” The announcement builds on the £650 million Electric Car Grant launched earlier this year, which offers discounts of up to £3,750 on 39 car models. The Government also confirmed continued progress in public charging infrastructure, reporting a 23% increase in public EV chargepoints over the past year. Since October 2024, an additional 15,979 chargepoints have been added to the UK network. DfT Press Release