Posted on 30 May 2025
The UK government said Thursday that it’s making the switch to electric vehicles “easier, quicker and cheaper,” by cutting red tape, Kallanish reports.
“Drivers no longer need to submit planning applications to install electric vehicle changepoints, helping them save up to £1,100 [$1,482] a year,” announces the Department for Transport (DfT).
The savings claimed by the government refer to potential cost reductions of running an EV, compared to a petrol or diesel vehicle. “Running and EV can cost as little as 2 pence per mile,” it adds.
The change applies to both public and private EV charger installations. While the move may not be as generous and ambitious as some drivers have wished, it was welcomed by the EV charging industry.
“This is a hugely welcome and practical change that will make a real difference on the ground,” comments Lewis Gardiner, operations director at Osprey Charging Network. “Removing the need for planning permission for essential electrical infrastructure like substations across the majority of sites will save months of delays, reduce costs and accelerate the delivery of the rapid charging hubs drivers need.”
Up until 1 May, the UK had 79,326 public changepoints across the country, according to DfT statistics. That represents a 30% year-on-year increase, and a 3.7% month-on-month growth following the installation of 2,819 new chargers in April.
Currently, the government offers grants of up to £15,000 per site for EV infrastructure for small and medium-sized businesses; £2,500 per chargepoint socket for state-fund schools and education institutions; and £350 per charger for landlords, flat owners and those households with on-street parking.
Around 30.4% of the new car market in the UK features a plug. Year-to-date, sales of new all-electric cars increased 35.2% y-o-y to 144,749 units, while those of plug-in hybrids rose 27.7% to 67,759 units.
Source:Kallanish
