Home Electric Charging Points

The UK Government announced recently that all new build housing are to have electric vehicle charging points installed from 2022.

Whilst this is only a small percentage of the housing stock, it is a step in the right direction and the PRS should welcome the news, particularly since many parts of England are lacking critical charging infrastructure. This is particularly acute in small towns and more rural areas.

With the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles prohibited from 2030, and at-home charging the most economic option, there has been a need for intervention to facilitate the uptake of electric vehicles to achieve Net Zero by 2050.

However, from April 2022, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) will no longer be open to homeowners (including people with mortgages) who live in single-unit properties such as bungalows and detached, semi-detached or terraced housing.

Installations in single-unit properties need to be completed by 31 March 2022 and a claim submitted to the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) by 30 April 2022. A customer will qualify if they have a qualifying vehicle and property as detailed in the government paper  – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/customer-guidance-electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme/electric-vehicle-homecharge-scheme-guidance-for-customers

The scheme will remain open to homeowners who live in flats and people in rental accommodation (flats and single-use properties)

OZEV (Office for Zero Emission Vehicles) will not be able to provide bespoke advice on eligibility. Customers should consult with an approved EVHS installer regarding their individual circumstances and if they qualify.

Alongside new homes and buildings such as workplaces and supermarkets being required to install EV charge points from 2022, the regulations will also apply to buildings where major renovations are taking place. The clarity of what constitutes a major renovation will need to be fleshed out over the coming months, but off road parking is going to be a significant factor.

The plan to expand charging points comes as the U.K. attempts to develop the necessary infrastructure to cope with its target of stopping the sale of new diesel and petrol cars and vans from 2030.